Golkar to spend Rp 1.5b for artists

JAKARTA (JP): The city-chapter of the ruling Golkar estimates it will spend Rp 1.5 billion (US$652,173) to pay the 300 artists participating in Golkar's nine campaign rounds.

The head of Golkar's arts and culture bureau said most of the artists were popular dangdut singers, such as Jaja Mihardja and Evie Tamala.

"They will liven up the campaign," Dewa said yesterday. "Healthy entertainment" is permitted by the campaign rules.

The singers would perform in the subdistricts, districts and mayoralties, he said. "Each of the artists will be paid between Rp 250,000 and Rp 500,000 a performance," Dewa said. (ste)