TV stations compete for holiday viewers
JAKARTA (JP): Idul Fitri for most is a time to visit neighbors and relatives, wish each other well and ask for forgiveness for any trespasses.
While people will continue to take part in these time-honored traditions, local TV stations are doing their best to attract viewers by offering special programs during the holiday. As in past years, this year's offerings are dominated by local singers and entertainers.
TVRI will present Senandung Lebaran (Lebaran Songs) featuring top singers like Vina Panduwinata, Puput Novel and Ita Purnamasari on Saturday at 10 a.m.
RCTI will feature Idul Fitri-themed programs beginning on Friday. Programs include Takbir Bersama RCTI -- a public prayer on the eve of Idul Fitri. This will be followed by music program Gita Fitri at 8 p.m. featuring popular bands and singers, including Potret, /rif, Titi DJ and Achmad Albar.
A two-episode show blending comedy, drama and music, Mega Bintang Papa, will be aired on Friday and Saturday at 9:30 p.m. The show, which features Izhur, Tika Panggabean, Cut Mini, Nico Siahaan, Inneke Koesherawati and Eko Patrio, will be rerun on Sunday at 2:30 p.m.
On Saturday, RCTI will broadcast live the Idul Fitri prayer from the Istiqlal Grand Mosque here at 5 a.m. and from Mecca at 10:30 a.m.
Two special comedies -- Best of Ketoprak Humor: Cindelaras and Ketoprak Humor Special: Putri Kodok (Frog Princess) -- will be aired on Saturday at 2:30 p.m. and 10:30 p.m, respectively.
A futuristic variety show titled Lebaran Millennium will be aired on Saturday at 7:30. The show will feature pop stars such as Sherina, Chrisye, Titi DJ and Mayang Sari.
RCTI will treat younger viewers to an hour-long operetta called Nyanyian Burung (Birds Singing) on Saturday at 4:30 p.m. and the cartoon Doraemon Special on Sunday morning at 8 a.m.
Comedy fans may find something to suit their tastes on SCTV. The operetta Pas Tobatnya will appear on Friday at 7:30 and feature pop stars like Jihan Fahira, Titi DJ, Kris Dayanti, Donny Kesuma and Heidy Yunus, and comedians Asmuni, Timbul and Tessy. The show will be rerun on Saturday at 8 a.m.
The two-episode Ludruk Glamor will be aired on Saturday and Sunday at 5 p.m. and feature comedians Asmuni, Nurbuat and Rohana, with guest stars Ulfa Dewayanti, Dono, Indro and Rudi Salam.
SCTV will also present a show featuring singer Cici Faramida's activities during the fasting month of Ramadhan and the Idul Fitri holiday. She will also be featured in concert on Senandung Lebaran (Lebaran Song) on Saturday at 7:30 p.m. The show's guest stars include Ita Purnamasari, Chrisye and Paramitha Rusady. The show will be rerun on Sunday at 8:30 a.m.
Indosiar has prepared Semarak Takbir (Prayer Gala) for Friday at 9:30 p.m. The program will feature pop singers such as Dewi Yull, Nia Zulkarnaen, Neno Warisman, Gito Rollies and Tri Utami, and a poetry reading by Taufiq Ismail.
The station, which will celebrate its fifth anniversary on Jan. 11, will air a special comedy show by the Srimulat group on Saturday and Sunday. For movie buffs, Indosiar will air the Mandarin action movie Kid and Soldier on Saturday at 10 a.m. and Geronimo: An American Legend at 12 p.m.
ANteve will air popular Malaysian vocal group Raihan's charity concert on Sunday at 9:30 p.m.
Education station TPI will air Islamic-themed programs along with comedies during this year's Idul Fitri. Indra Safera will host the hour-long variety show Lebaran Dalam Nada dan Kata, featuring songs by Agus Wisman, Heidy Yunus, Rita Effendy, Titi DJ and Yana Yulio on Saturday at 12 p.m.
On Sunday, fans of puppet shows can enjoy TPI's Asep Show Special -- Pulang (Going Home) with noted puppeteer Asep Sunarya and guest star comedian Komeng. Viewers can also enjoy the regularly aired comedy Ngelaba Special on Sunday at 8 p.m. (ste)