Jaksa Fair starts tomorrow

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)