Musicians set up club to exchange ideas

JAKARTA (JP): Local performers of different music styles and ages have agreed to establish a club, scheduled to be inaugurated Tuesday by Minister/State Secretary Moerdiono, a popular patron among local artists.

Dhani Widjanarko, chairman of the club, told The Jakarta Post over the weekend that the club had nothing to do with politics or any sociopolitical organizations.

"This group will not involve itself in political campaigns for the coming election," Dhani said.

But individual club members will have the right to take part in any political activities, said Dhani of Gigi band.

The inauguration of the club dubbed Musisi, short for Musyawarah Insan Musik Indonesia (Indonesian Musicians Meeting Club), will take place at Poster Cafe on Jl. Gatot Subroto.

The usually crowded discotheque will be closed to the public on the day, said Dhani.

Jazz musician Indra Lesmana, an executive of the new group, said yesterday that the main purpose of setting up the club was to help musicians solve problems and encourage them to keep creating great music.

"Musicians could use this club as a forum to exchange ideas and discuss problems, such as royalties, which is still new to many musicians here," said Indra.

According to Dhani, the club will hold an annual discussion, such as workshop, at different places throughout Indonesia.

"We, for example, might ask a member of a foreign band touring here to give a short course about their skills and experience for local musicians," Indra said.

Indonesia has had many entertainers' organizations, some of which have became a right wing of certain political groups.

Some existing organizations may take part in the campaigns for the May 29 general election. The official campaign period starts next month.

"Founding the club isn't intended to compete with existing similar organizations. We just hope the club can be used as a forum for organizations to exchange information," said Dhani.

Dozens of bands and musicians, including those from Bandung and Medan, will perform at the inauguration of the club, said club spokesman Tagor Siagian, adding that "There will be around 400 guests on the night." (bsr)