New landmark for Jakarta

New landmark for Jakarta

JAKARTA (JP): Jakarta will gain a new landmark when the
world's largest 'Marionette' clock begins operating soon.

The three-ton clock will start to tick to mark the opening of
Jakarta's newest shopping center, Plaza Senayan, on Nov. 15.

The Seiko-made clock is four meters high and 6 meters in
width.

Jan Peardon, Center Manager for Plaza Senayan, said yesterday
that every city needs landmarks and meeting places. "We expect
the clock will be a landmark in Plaza Senayan and it could easily
become a tourist attraction of Jakarta," he said.

The clock's size makes it unique, Jan said, adding that it
features a three-minute mechanical performance every hour.

The performance begins with the clock face opening to the
sound of music apparently played by three pairs of gold-colored
male and female dolls. The dolls emerge on mechanical arms from
two cupboards on either side of the clock, carrying and seeming
to play instruments like the violin, the flute and the banjo.
After the performance the dolls return to their places and the
clock face returns to normal.

After the opening of the plaza there will be name-giving
competition for each of the dolls and the clock itself.