Song competition extended

Song competition extended

The city administration has extended the song writing competition from which an anthem for the capital will be picked, until Jan. 15, an official said. The competition was originally planned to end on Nov. 15.

Azhari Baedlawie, the head of Jakarta's cultural affairs office, said the extension of the competition was intended to give the public a greater chance to participate.

"Over 50 songs have so far been submitted but the committee considers the number inadequate because entries are not limited to residents of Jakarta and its surroundings, but also to those from other regions," he said.

Azhari said that theme of the song should be based on the capital's slogan: Teguh Beriman, an abbreviation of Teruskan gerakan untuk hidup bersih, indah, menarik, manusiawi dan aman (Continuing the movement to live a healthy, delightful, fascinating, humanly and secured life).

The competition is aimed at popularizing the slogan among Jakartans, Azhari said, adding that the team of juries consist of noted music experts, including FX Sutopo, Trisutji Djuliati Kamal, Darma Oratmangun, Titiek Puspa and Barce van Houten.

The city administration has provided a total of Rp 11 million (US$5,200) in prizes for the selected top five songwriters. (hhr)