Film, music and art at Jakfest '96

JAKARTA (JP): The Jakarta Promotion Board will hold an international festival of arts and culture from May 20 to May 26.

Fauzi Wibowo, the chairman of the organizing committee, said Jakfest '96 will feature dances, music and handicrafts from 18 countries, including Australia, the Netherlands, Hong Kong, Japan, Slovenia and host Indonesia.

The seventh annual festival will be opened by Governor Surjadi Soedirdja on May 23, commemorating the 469th anniversary of the city and the 51st anniversary of the country.

"In the opening ceremony at Gedung Kesenian Jakarta on Jl. Pasar Baru we will feature the Jakarta Symphony Orchestra with guest star pianist Tomaz Tobing from Slovenia," Fauzi said.

The exhibitions will be held at Blok M Mall, Pondok Indah Mall in South Jakarta, the Jakarta Hilton Convention Center, the National Monument (Monas) Park, the Senen Atrium in Central Jakarta and at Ancol recreational park in North Jakarta. "Everybody can enjoy the shows for free," he said.

Films from nine counties, including Bulan Tertusuk Ilalang (Indonesia), Nomugi Toge (Japan), Vabank II (Poland), Romelia's Secret (Mexico) and It Starts with a Whisper (Canada), will be screened at Gedung Kesenian Jakarta from May 20 to May 22.

Meanwhile, Ita Munaf, the committee secretary, said the festival is expected to cost Rp 1 billion (US$430,107), most of which will come from the city administration and Garuda Indonesia. (jun)