'Ondel-ondel' to play at Jakarta Fair

'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)