Jambi dance group proves a hit

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)