Srimulat a winner at TV awards

JAKARTA (JP): Traditional comedy group Srimulat triumphed on Friday at the Panasonic Awards 2000, selected by viewers in the category of favorite comedy program.

The event, honoring programs and individual achievements in local television productions based on a viewer survey, also recognized Rano Karno, star of Doel Si Anak Sekolahan (Doel the Graduate) for helping develop cultural awareness. The late Teguh Srimulat, who established the Srimulat group in Surakarta in the 1950s, was honored with a legend's award.

His group gained prominence in the 1980s when it performed regularly at Taman Ria Senayan, Central Jakarta. The group's popularity waned and the performances ended in 1989.

Srimulat and the performers have returned to the public eye since entering television on Indosiar in 1995.

In other categories, Bella Saphira won two awards as the favorite female star in a TV drama and favorite TV star.

RCTI was named favorite TV station for the second consecutive year.

Awards were presented in 33 categories, including the Best Special Program (Konser Badai Pasti Berlalu), Best Information Program (Sinema-Sinema), Best TV Magazine Program (Cek & Ricek), Best News Program (Seputar Indonesia) and Best Children's Program (Keluarga Cemara).

Awards for individual achievement included the Best Male Star in a Drama (Ari Wibowo), Best Female Star in a Comedy (Nunung), Best Male News Presenter (Adolf Posumah) and Best Female News Presenter (Alfina Damayanti).

The awards were based on responses to 117,364 questionnaires distributed through 10 mass media. (ida)