'Mall concerts would be a breakthrough'

As expected from a modern capital, Jakarta hosts a relatively large number of art events and performances, be they traditional or modern arts. The capital also has numerous art venues that regularly host events. A number of residents told The Jakarta Post about their favorite performances and venues.

Haydar, 41, is a police detective at Jakarta Police Headquarters:

I really love to see art performances once in a while. But the problem is always finding the time in my busy schedule. I find it sad that as a Jakarta resident, I have never seen a performance at the Jakarta Playhouse.

I did try to see one performance there, a play starring the talented Ria Irawan. But when I got there, all the tickets were sold out. And I have never been back since.

I do like watching movies, but I rarely go to theaters. Me and my family prefer watching movies at home.

Gregorius, 33, works as a storage supervisor for a company in Kedoya, West Jakarta. He and his wife rent a house near his office:

I am a big lover of classical music. But I think Jakarta has very few places that can host classical music concerts, such as the Jakarta Convention Center and the Jakarta Playhouse. We need more venues with good acoustics if we want (classical) music to be more popular among Jakartans.

If necessary, event organizers could bring concerts to malls and shopping centers. That would be a breakthrough in promoting classical music. Right now, I think people find it difficult to get information on music recitals.

-- The Jakarta Post