Fireworks at Ancol today, tomorrow

JAKARTA (JP): The management of Ancol Dreamland in North Jakarta will celebrate Christmas and New Year with a fireworks display today and tomorrow in its former drive-in theater.

Before the fireworks -- which start at 9 p.m. -- there will be a live show featuring world-renowned trumpeter Kenny G. and several local artists, including dangdut singer Evi Tamala and the children's group Trio Kwek-Kwek, PT Pembangunan Jaya Ancol's director, Suhartono, said Wednesday.

Suhartono was quoted by Antara as saying that the early celebration of New Year's Eve was in keeping with the local authorities' prohibition of parties and mass gatherings after Dec. 27 out of respect for Moslems, who start their Ramadhan fasting month.

"That's why we decided to combine two occasions in one extravaganza," he said.

The management usually sets off firecrackers at Ancol once a year to mark the start of the new year.

Suhartono said about 300 large firecrackers and thousands of small ones would light up Jakarta's skies.

At least 150 personnel from North Jakarta Military Command and the local police precinct will safeguarded the event.

Suhartono said he hoped that visitors would enjoy the two-day fiesta.

"It will be the same situation next year because New Year's Eve falls during the fasting month too."

During New Year's Eve, Ancol management will stage a series of events in connection with Moslem activities, such as tarawih (Ramadhan evening prayers), religious speeches and making donations to orphanages, he said.

Pembangunan Jaya Ancol spokesman Mukhrijul Adli said the event would be attended by Governor Sutiyoso and other high-ranking city officials to mark the end of 1997.

After attending the religious event, the governor and his staff will convey their New Year and Ramadhan greetings to attendants and visitors to the park, he said. (ind/04)