Relief album to help the needy launched

JAKARTA (JP): Fifty artists launched an album on Saturday called Tembang Peduli (Songs that Care) with the aim of helping raise social awareness during the current crisis.

Produced by Dwiki Dharmawan, head of the Indonesian Fantasy Orchestra, at a cost of Rp 600 million (US$80,000), the 10-song album involves local drama actors, musicians and songwriters.

"Sales from the album will be handed over to foundations nationwide via the Dompet Dhuafa foundation," said Dwiki, who is also president of Kita Music, a distribution company for musical instruments.

Dwiki said that the theme song of the album was penned by himself and his friend Agus Dipayana, while the others were by the finalists of a contest held two years ago.

"A nationwide contest for social songs held in 1996 resulted in 556 entries. Due to financial problems, entries were reviewed this year," he said.

"Of the 556 entries, 10 were selected," he said. Artists who helped Dwiki in the project included singers Anang, Gito Rollies, Ita Purnamasari, Ikang Fawzi, Oppie Andaresta, Trie Utami, Nia Zulkarnaen, Neno Warisman and Teddy Tarlanda.

The album's distribution is being handled by PT Ciptadaya Prestasi, which is headed by Tantowi Yahya.

Tantowi said that 10,000 cassettes had already been distributed and he expected sales to reach 100,000 within three months.

"We are only charging Rp 1,000 per cassette sold, for administration and distribution fees," he said.

"We are doing this for the poor... we heard that some 80 million people are living below the poverty line." (ylt)