'Talent shows give chance to express'

Audiences, particularly women and teenagers, have warmed to talent shows. They keep track of their favorite contestant -- even sending SMSs in support -- in much the same way as one would tune in to watch the plot of a TV drama unfold. The Jakarta Post talked to some city residents about the huge popularity of talent shows here.

Jufri, 35, is an asinan (pickled vegetable salad) vendor in Petamburan, Central Jakarta. He rents a house near Tanah Abang market, which he shares with his wife and two children:

I occasionally watch talent shows like AFI (Indosiar Fantasy Academy) and Indonesian Idol, just because my wife and daughter seem to like them.

Actually, I didn't understand why they liked the shows so much, until I recently found out that they were some kind of a competition to single out the best performer. So, I guess the shows are as fun and exciting for them to watch as soccer matches are for guys.

They're entertaining and provide viewers with a new form of entertainment, apart from the regular soap operas and quizzes.

I also think these shows are a good way to discover the hidden talents of ordinary people -- who could otherwise miss out on a promising career in show business.

Firman, 28, is an ojek (motorcycle taxi) driver who usually waits for passengers at an intersection on Jl. Ampera Raya, South Jakarta. He lives with his family in the nearby Bangka area:

I don't like watching AFI or Indonesian Idol because the music on them is not to my taste. But, I do like watching KDI (Indonesian Dangdut Contest) aired by TPI because I'm a dangdut fan.

I'm totally in favor of such shows, because they give everyone the chance to express themselves, show what they've got, and who knows -- become a successful star.

I hope that KDI will produce the country's next Inul (Daratista) or Rhoma Irama.

I actually told my sister, who likes to sing, to try to get selected. I don't know why, but she's hasn't done anything about it. Maybe she's just shy, or she hasn't got time.

-- The Jakarta Post