Japan aids Solo theater group

JAKARTA (JP): The Sriwedari Wayang Orang (wayang dancers) Theater in Surakarta (Solo), Central Java, yesterday received 45 million yen (US$418,600) in cultural grant aid from Japan.

The signing and exchange of diplomatic notes was conducted by Japanese ambassador to Indonesia Kimio Fujita and Surakarta Mayor R. Hartomo at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

"The aid will be used to purchase lighting and sound system facilities for the theater," said Fujita.

He added that the city's government would be responsible for maintaining the equipment as it touched on the culture and substance of the art.

"We, as foreigners, can only contribute to the physical and mechanical aspects of the Javanese culture," he said.

Hartomo said that the wayang orang performances, which are typical of Central Javanese culture, have a bright future despite the increasing "modern" arts of today.

He said the theater used to attract 25 to 30 people daily, of which 10 to 15 percent were foreign tourists, "but lately the number has increased to 100."

Hartomo attributed the increase to the various side- attractions such as locally-renowned guest stars and all-night shows.

The theater, located in Sriwedari Park, was founded in 1935 and renovated in 1974. Managed by the Surakarta municipality, the wayang orang shows are the park's main attraction. (pwn)