Jak Jazz opens to drizzle, applause

JAKARTA (JP): The fourth international Jakarta jazz festival was officially opened yesterday by Governor Surjadi Soedirdja with one of five stages still being completed amid drizzle which washed across the capital.

Ireng Maulana, the executive director of the organizing committee said a 'pawang hujan', a person believed to have the power to stop rain, had been asked to intervene with the weather.

The rain misted down briefly in the afternoon to stop shortly before the opening ceremony took place.

"It may be the first international festival assisted by a shaman," Ireng said.

The incomplete stage, which was supposed to be the venue of three performances yesterday, will be finished tonight, Ireng promised at the opening ceremony.

Whatever the minor flaws, the international event is expected to benefit Jakarta.

"It is important to hold such an international event here because through this kind of festival, Jakarta will become more famous as an international venue for meetings, for business purposes and for tourism," Surjadi said before beating a drum to mark the opening.

Ireng said that the festival, which first took place in 1988, when it saw 17 countries participating, has now extended its reach by inviting 23 countries. Among others represented are India, Senegal, Iran, Ghana, Japan, France, Austria, the Netherlands, Poland, the Philippines and the United States.

"Currently for Indonesian jazz musicians, this jazz festival is the only venue in the country where they can meet international musicians. I am glad that this festival has become more widely known so that more and more countries are sending their representatives here. It is a good chance for us all," he said.

The opening ceremony, which took place at the Cafe Stage, one of five stages built for the event, was enlivened by Betawi (indigenous Jakartan) dances, children's Gambang Kromong music, Ondel-ondel (traditional body puppets) and music by the Ireng Maulana All Stars band, joined by prominent Indonesian jazz singers and musicians such as Bill Saragih and Ermy Kulit.

This fourth Jakarta jazz festival, dubbed "A Mild Jak Jazz 1994", is organized by Ireng Maulana Associates and jointly sponsored by A Mild cigarettes, the state-owned airline, Garuda Indonesia, the Jakarta Hilton International Hotel and several media agencies.

Five stages have gone up at the festival's venue, Plaza Timur, Gelora Senayan, in south central Jakarta. They are the JVC Stage, the Arena Stage, the Cafe Stage, the Gazebo Stage and the Natura Stage, which is also called the "environment stage". These stages will present the musical events of the festival which will end on Dec.4. The music is to start at 6 p.m. every evening.

Stands selling food and souvenirs have also been built in the festival compound.

The first day of the festival was not as crowded as expected, probably due to the rain which fell in the afternoon.

Yesterday's presentations featured several noted Indonesian singers and jazz groups, including singers Ruth Sahanaya, Ermy Kulit, jazz groups the Ireng Maulana All Stars, Bubi Chen and Friends and Embong Project.

Well-known jazz singer Phill Perry of the United States, saxophonist Candy Dulfer from the Netherlands and Fumio Itabashi Mix Dynamite Duo were among the international musicians entertaining Jakartans last night.(als)