Radio 'Klasik FM' bids farewell to its music loving listeners

Radio 'Klasik FM' bids farewell to its music loving listeners

JAKARTA (JP): Jakarta is saying good-bye to Mozart, Handel and Bach. At midnight on July 23, Radio Klasik (89.7) FM will broadcast its last song on local airwaves.

The radio station announced its arrival in Jakarta on Oct. 1, 1995. It was designed "to bring classical music and the fine arts to Jakarta and surrounding areas on FM radio", the programing adviser said at the station's launch.

Klasik FM provided free announcements for cultural events, which helped to promote local arts around the city. It also aired concerts by various local and international talent. Radio Australia, Radio France and the Salzburg Festival were made available to local listeners. The station also aired The Joint Sound from the Jakarta International School. The station offered a diverse mixture of talent to satisfy all classical music tastes.

On July 23, the station will be forced to depart Jakarta's airwaves and return to its original owner, the Indonesian Army. There are limited airwaves for public use, which leaves Radio Klasik with no possible solution for obtaining its own address.

Firman Taufik, director of Radio Klasik, was surprised when told the station would have to give up its place on the FM dial. "We received thousands of faxes from fans showing their support ... one person called it a cultural disaster."

Radio Klasik remains optimistic about gaining airtime through other stations. Taufik added the station was still negotiating with the University of Indonesia radio station about a possible partnership.

The Classic Music Society is holding a discussion about the necessity of maintaining a classical music station in Jakarta. The group will meet at its office, located at Jl. Tanjung 34, Central Jakarta, on July 27 at 4 p.m. Those interested are welcome to attend. (Danielle Bray)