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)