Painting, writing contests on APEC

JAKARTA (JP): An exhibition of children's works will enliven the surroundings of this month's APEC Economic Leaders Meeting.

The painting and letter and poetry writing contests are open to elementary school students who want to express their ideas to the 18 heads of state attending the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit meetings, scheduled to take place in Jakarta and Bogor this month.

The theme of the contest, held in cooperation with the Merah & Putih (Red & White) Culture Art Foundation, is "Indonesian Children Love Peace."

All entries are expected to be submitted no later than Nov. 3 (today).

"We are organizing these contests for children because it is they who will later follow up the policies taken by APEC leaders," Lily Rosilawaty, a member of the committee, told The Jakarta Post yesterday.

She said that only 100 of some 300 elementary schools in the city were informed about the contests as the committee did not have time to pass the information on to all schools.

The decision to stage the contests apparently came late as the circulars passed on to schools are dated Oct. 19.

The winners will be announced on Nov. 7 and the prizes presented two days later, Lily said.

The winner of the painting contest will receive a cash prize of Rp 1 million (approximately US$480) and Rp 500,000 (US$241) for the letter and poetry writing section.

Winning works will be put on display during the APEC (Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation) meeting.(sim)