Expats involved in cultural festival

MATARAM, West Nusa Tenggara: Some 60 foreign visitors took part in the opening ceremony of the West Nusa Tenggara Cultural Appreciation Month held here over the weekend.

"The 60 come from the United States, the Netherlands, Germany, Australia, Italy, and Britain," the head of the Nusa Tenggara office of the Ministry of Education and Culture, Soewignjo, was quoted by Antara as saying on Saturday.

The cultural appreciation month, which was officially opened by West Nusa Tenggara Governor Warsito, will last until Aug. 15.

The program also coincides with the 50th anniversary of Indonesian independence, Soewignjo said.

At least 1,585 artists are taking part in 20 cultural performances, both traditional and modern. Last year only 657 artists took part. (imn)