Event planned in memory of Benyamin

Event planned in memory of Benyamin

JAKARTA (JP): The Betawi Arts Foundation (LKB) is to hold a
12-day Betawi cultural event called In Memory of Bang Ben to
commemorate the third anniversary of the death of legendary
Betawi artist Benyamin. S., popularly known as Bang (brother)
Ben.

The event, which opens on Sunday, includes a discussion on the
well-known artist given by Ida Royani, who used to sing with
Benyamin, music composer Franky Raden, Betawi culture expert
Ridwan Saidi, comedian Ateng and Jamie Aditya of MTV Asia as well
as an arts and culture show.

Deputy Governor for Social Welfare Affairs Djailani is
scheduled to open the event at Jl. H. Benyamin S, Kemayoran,
Central Jakarta, according to foundation chairwoman Emma Amalia
Bisri.

This will be followed by a performance of the modern Betawi
music gambang kromong, popularized by Benyamin and singer Ida
Royani in the 1960s, and the Betawi panjat pinang competition of
climbing greased pinang (areca nut) trunks.

"At least three trees will be used in the contest. Between 100
to 200 people are taking part," Ema said.

The discussion will be held at the Nyi Ageng Serang building
in the Jakarta Education and Culture Office in Kuningan, South
Jakarta, on Sept. 12.

The traditional play Samiun-Engtay, which tells the love story
between a Betawi guy and a Chinese-Indonesian girl, will be
staged at the auditorium the following day. It will be produced
by the Kembang Latar theater group, headed by Ridwan.

In the morning, a Betawi dance festival and more traditional
games will be held at the same venue.

The climax will be a traditional market festival, Pasar
Gambir, and a photo exhibition featuring Benyamin's activities,
on Sept. 18. This will be followed by the operetta Betawi:
Kemaren, Sekarang, Besok (Betawi: Yesterday, Today, Tomorrow).

On the anniversary itself, on Saturday, Benyamin's family,
along with old friends and colleagues will visit his grave on Jl.
Karet Bivak, Central Jakarta. Emma said the whole crew and cast
of famous Betawi TV drama Si Doel Anak Sekolahan (Doel, The
Graduate), including Rano Karno and Mandra, are expected to
attend.

Benyamin himself was a star in the film, Si Doel, Anak Moderen
(Doel, The Modern Kid).

Packages of basic necessities will also be distributed to
needy Betawi arts groups to help local artists who, due to the
lack of attention from the government and the public, lead a hard
life.

Emma said that financial problems had hindered the foundation
from holding the event in the last two years. This would be the
first such event since Benyamin's death.

"It (the event) is costing around Rp 25 million (US$2,270).
The city administration came up with about Rp 4 million," she
told The Jakarta Post.

Further information on the event can be obtained by contacting
the Betawi foundation on 526-3234.

Born on March 5, 1939, Benyamin shot to fame with his albums
Kembang Jatoh (Fallen Flower) and Nonton Bioskop (Watching
Theater). He made his acting debut in 1970 with Honey Money And
Djakarta Fair and although most famous as a comedian, he won
Indonesian Film Festival awards for best actor in 1973 and 1977,
where he played serious roles in Intan Berduri (Thorned Jewel)
and Si Doel Anak Moderen respectively.

While celebrating Independence Day (Aug. 17) in 1995, he
played soccer with street children in his neighborhood in Cinere,
South Jakarta. This cost the heart patient his life as he
suffered a major heart attack shortly afterward and died of a
stroke on Sept. 5. (ylt)