Jaksa Fair starts tomorrow

JAKARTA (JP): Jl. Jaksa, the most well known street among international backpacker tourists, will, for the second time, host a four-day street party called Jaksa Fair starting tomorrow.

The party, to be held along the 400 meter street, will place emphasis on the Betawi culture, or Jakarta ethnic group, from its arts performance, such as keroncong (popular Indonesian music originating from Portuguese songs) and lenong (folk) theater, to its cuisine.

Traditional games, handicraft stands, expose of pictures of Jakarta 50 years ago, and the screening of films on Betawi will be also highlighted in the street party.

The party is also intended to celebrate Indonesia's golden anniversary of independence.

"This year, to make the party merrier, we would like to invite other traditional art groups, such as those from Aceh, Bali and Cirebon, whose cultures have influenced the Betawi culture, to participate," Toha of Etnodata, one of the organizers, said.

Jaksa Fair, held for the first time last year, is organized by the City Tourism Office, Etnodata and the Betawi cultural council.

The party will be opened to the public from tomorrow, Aug. 3, to Saturday, Aug. 5, from 4 p.m to 11 p.m. On Sunday, Aug. 6, the party will start at 10 a.m. The street will be closed to traffic during the party. (als)