Jambi dance group proves a hit

JAKARTA (JP): Of the 14 dance troupes participating in the National Arts Festival at the Jakarta Convention Center on Saturday evening, the group from Jambi province received the most enthusiastic audience response.

The Jambi group, which performed a dance entitled "Joget Batanghari", got the longest applause from the audience, the Antara news agency reported.

The dance, depicting about social interaction among youth, was presented joyfully, as dynamic motion accompanied cheerful music.

Opened by Minister/State Secretary Moerdiono, Saturday evening's performances were part of a national arts festival held in conjunction with the commemoration of the golden anniversary of Indonesia's independence. The other half of the festival was held at the Istora Senayan stadium, which was host to dance performances from 13 provinces.

Minister of Education and Culture Wardiman Djojonegoro said in his speech at the opening of the festival at the Istora Senayan stadium that regional arts constitutes one of the pillars supporting the unity and integrity of the nation.

"Therefore, it is right for us at this time to maintain and further boost their existence," he said.

Meanwhile, Moerdiono said in his opening remarks that such an arts festival fully represented the character of Indonesia which, he said, enjoyed a rich mixture of different ethnic groups.

According to Moerdiono, besides being influenced by the creativity of artists in the capital city, Indonesia's dynamic culture is also greatly influenced by dynamism of the races, tribes and ethnic groups which make up the country. (hhr)