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.