'I can't sing, so I won't try out'

Thousands of Indonesian youngsters, particularly those in big cities, participate in walk-in auditions for a variety of talent scouting contests. They hope that the shows, plus wall-to-wall media coverage, will provide them with their tickets to stardom. The Jakarta Post asked some Jakartans for their opinions on the phenomenon.

Anwar, 35, is a bus driver on the Pulo Gadung, East Jakarta, to Kota, West Jakarta, route. He lives with his family in Cempaka Putih, Central Jakarta:

I myself have no time to watch such programs on television. I watched a few episodes of one program when I was at home together with the children, but I don't recall what program.

My children said they never missed a well-known singing contest program on Indosiar, and that's how I got familiar with it.

I think such programs are good and can help develop the Indonesian music industry as they cater to those who have the talent but no access to the industry. With such programs, we will be able to produce many talented singers.

Soni, 18, is a student at a private high school in Pulo Gadung, East Jakarta. He lives in Kemayoran subdistrict, Central Jakarta:

Yes, I like watching AFI (Indosiar's Fantasy Academy), Indonesian Idol on RCTI and KDI -- dangdut (local pop music) contests on TPI. But my favorite is AFI. Maybe this is because I like pop music. I have never missed an episode of the show so far. I really like the weekly selections every Saturday night.

Such programs, I think, are good for those who have a talent for singing. They also help talented singers to become known by the public.

I have no intention of trying to get on one of these programs as I'm no good at singing.

--The Jakarta Post