New Mr. and Miss Jakarta crowned

JAKARTA (JP): The Jakarta Tourist Office crowned Leonard Abdul AD and Dessy Syarif as the new Abang and None (Mr. and Miss) Jakarta at City Hall on Monday night, a tourist official said.

The two were selected from 649 contestants, the office's head, Wicaksono, was quoted by Antara as saying.

In contrast from earlier years, when winners received attractive prizes including tickets to overseas destinations, this year's prizes consisted only of return tickets to Denpasar, a tourist package, cups, vouchers and beauty utensils.

The contest's final phase, attended by Governor Sutiyoso, was carried out with a modest budget compared to previous years.

"Thank God, the final could be conducted successfully even though it was not as merry as last year," Sutiyoso said.

This year's final party cost Rp 120 million (US$9,230), far less than last year's Rp 900 million budget.

Wicaksono said the crisis, however, did not discourage youths from participating in the contest, which is aimed at further promoting Betawi (Jakartan) culture.

"Enthusiasm for the event was reflected by the number of participants in the contest. At least 649 entries were received this year," he said.

The final of the 1998 Abang and None Jakarta contest was highlighted by several activities, including an ondel-ondel dance performance accompanied by gambang kromong (Betawi music) and a display of Betawi cuisine, ranging from kerak telor and laksa to gado-gado. (hhr)