'Ondel-ondel' to play at Jakarta Fair

JAKARTA (JP): The municipality will hold an ondel-ondel and tanjidor Betawi arts festival at the Jakarta Fair, when it opens on June 14.

The city cultural office's chief, Azhari Baedlawi, said Friday that 18 Betawi cultural troupes had confirmed their participation in the festival.

"We hope the festival will encourage them to improve their performances," Baedlawi said.

The troupes' performances will be judged in a parade through the fairgrounds in Kemayoran, Central Jakarta.

Ondel-ondel are a couple of giant puppets which usually perform for individuals, companies or special events held by the municipality.

Ondel-ondel performances are often accompanied by a tanjidor orchestra.

Bolo Kincron, who leads the Surya Jaya art troupe, said yesterday that he had entered two ondel-ondel couples in the festival.

"I have started buying new costumes and accessories for the puppets," said the Betawi artist. He said he had started the troupe 30 years ago.

The troupes will be judged on their costume designs, dances and musical arrangements.

The annual Jakarta Fair will have 1,435 exhibitors, including 600 large companies. About 2.5 million people are expected to visit the month-long fair. (03)