Indonesians watch Diana's funeral

JAKARTA (JP): Millions of Indonesians joined the world yesterday afternoon to watch the funeral of Diana, Princess of Wales.

The event was broadcast live by state television TVRI as well as four of the five private television networks in the country. TPI did not broadcast the funeral, but was scheduled to air a three-hour special report on Diana today.

Many people stayed at home to tune in the live television broadcast of Diana's funeral. Among viewers were residents of slum areas.

"I don't really know who she was. But every day there have been reports about her. I am curious," said a housewife who lives in a slum in Penjaringan, North Jakarta. Her house was packed with "curious" neighbors who did not own TV sets.

Sri, a resident of Pondok Cabe, South Jakarta, said she watched coverage of the event two hours before the funeral even started.

"She had charisma," she said.

Traffic in the city was as busy as usual, but shopping centers were deserted.

"I'm surprised that there have been very few visitors visiting the mall during this weekend day," said Christine, a cashier of Hero supermarket at Citra Mal, West Jakarta.

The few mall visitors chose to waste their time in front of television sets at restaurants or food courts.

A similar situation also occurred at Plaza Indonesia shopping center, Central Jakarta, and Lippo Supermal in Tangerang.

The All Saints Anglican Church in Central Jakarta held a memorial service for Diana. Among those attending was British ambassador to Indonesia, Robin Christopher.

In Yogyakarta, a cafe held a Diana look-alike contest last night. A book of condolence was also available for those at the cafe to sign. The organizer said the book would be sent to the British Embassy in Jakarta.

Artists in Bandung also expressed their appreciation of the princess by organizing a Diana painting contest, scheduled to take place today.

Two Jakarta-based composers Ragil Sugiono and Eddy Soesanto composed a song, titled Princess Diana (Putri Diana), in English and Indonesian in honor of the princess, Antara reported.

They said they have given the song to the British Embassy here which promised to send it to England and publish it. (04/ste/bsr/swa/sim)