Try opens Yogyakarta festival

YOGYAKARTA (JP): Indonesians should do everything possible to safeguard their widely diverse culture in order to preserve the country's strong national pride, Vice President Try Sutrisno said yesterday.

"The public should have the opportunity to take an active part in cultural development and to enjoy the fruits of their labors," Try said when opening the Yogyakarta Arts Festival at the Yogyakarta Kraton (palace).

The festival, which lasts until July 7, also features art shows presented by Yogyakarta's four regencies and one mayoralty.

The Vice President called for the preservation and development of traditional arts in the regencies.

Chief of the festival organizing committee Wibowo told The Jakarta Post that 12 Asian and European countries will screen cultural films during the event.

"The main attractions of this year's festival are a gamelan (Javanese orchestra) show and an art bazaar. Gamelan enthusiasts from 12 countries will take part in the show," Wibowo said. (har/pan)