Genta Budaya gala postponed

BOGOR (JP): The Genta Budaya 2000 Nusantara, a New Year's cultural celebration planned to mark the millennium, has been postponed because the Bogor administration will not issue a permit for Dec. 31.

About 200 artists who were to perform at the gala, and who have already checked into Hotel Salak, are disappointed with the cancellation. The event has been postponed to one or two weeks after the Idul Fitri celebration.

"The local administration asked us to cancel the event on the grounds that New Year's occurs in the middle of fasting month. The administration said we have to respect the fasting month," Isti Dari Sofia, the project coordinator, said on Wednesday night.

"We're very disappointed as First Lady Sinta Nuriyah has actually confirmed her willingness to open the ceremony," Isti said, adding that the event was planned to stage religious songs such as Shalawat Badr and traditional angklung (bamboo) musical performances.

Proceeds from ticket sales were to be given to orphanages and victims of prolonged unrest in Maluku and Aceh, Isti said. (21/edt)