Tatia Group funds photography contest

JAKARTA (JP): A private firm is to hold a photo competition for Indonesia's media professionals with cash prizes of Rp 23 million (US$6,385), the organizers said yesterday.

The contest, with the theme Anak Indonesia Dalam Persahabatan (The Friendships of Indonesian Children), is open to both journalists and press photographers throughout the county," Shanti Shamdasani, the spokeswoman for Tatia Group, said.

"The main objective of the contest is to honor the quality of the country's press photos, which has improved in the past few years," she said.

Tatia is not involved in the photography industry but runs a variety of businesses, including a hotel, flight charters, a bank and also produces ice cream, Shanti said.

Each contestant is allowed to send a maximum of three prints measuring either 10 R or 20 R, she said.

All the prints should be addressed to Tatia Group, Menara Exim, Lt. 24, Jl. Gatot Subroto Kav. 36-38, Jakarta 12190, no later than March 31, 1998.

The winners are to be announced the following month, after the photos have been scrutinized by a panel of five judges, including professional photographer Darwis Triady and Firman Ichsan, noted film director Garin Nugroho, actors Christine Hakim and Niniek L. Karim, Shanti said.

The winner is to receive Rp 10 million, the second and third place-getters will take home Rp 5 and Rp 3 million respectively.

The remaining prize money will be shared among the entrants' whose photos won the nominated categories, she said. (bsr)