Istiqlal Festival to begin next month

JAKARTA (JP): A number of provinces are preparing to take part in the upcoming one-month festival of Islamic art and culture at the Istiqlal mosque here.

The event, called Festival Istiqlal, will be held from Sept. 23 to Oct. 23 in connection with the recent celebration of the 50th anniversary of Indonesia's independence.

Among the provincial contingents which have confirmed their participation is one from Central Kalimantan, home to the Dayak people.

Local official Noordiansyah was quoted by Antara as saying in the provincial capital of Palangkaraya yesterday that the Central Kalimantan delegation would present traditional Dayak art with Islamic nuances, an ancient handwritten copy of the Holy Koran and a wide range of handicrafts.

The festival is scheduled to be opened by President Soeharto. (bsr)