TV surprises in store for 'Lebaran' festivity

JAKARTA (JP): The five local TV stations are offering a variety of features for viewers as they prepare to greet Idul Fitri.

Aside from regularly scheduled news and prime-time fare, the special lineup for Lebaran will include religious talk shows and dramas, comedies, food features, poetry readings and music.

Indosiar is set to have viewers in fits of laughter for 18 hours straight with Srimulat, a special comedy program aired from 6 a.m. to 12 a.m. this Jan. 31.

Talk show Mutiara Kalam has been on the air from Sundays to Tuesdays at 1 a.m. throughout the month of Ramadhan.

Authors are among the panels discussing social issues in interesting discussions.

Guests have included the chairman of the Muhammadiyah Moslem organization, Amien Rais, whose books include Islam Multi Dimensional and prolific essayist Emha Ainun Najib, one of the most familiar faces on TV during this month.

Concert

Gema Ramadhan 1447 Hijriah, a religious music concert, took the stage yesterday in Sidoarjo, East Java, and was broadcast by SCTV. Previous live telecasts of the concerts were from Medan, Jakarta and Bandung. Mayangsari, Trie Utami and Gito Rollies are scheduled to perform in Sidoarjo.

ANteve has an insightful and entertaining half-hour talk show, Ramadhan-AN, to be aired until the end of January, from Monday to Thursday at 3 p.m. It crisscrosses all walks of life, bringing together artists, taxi drivers, broadcasters and poets.

Drama-musical lovers should tune into RCTI on Jan. 30 and Jan. 31 for Kau Tak Sendiri (You Are Not Alone). The two-episode production by PT Gemintang Kawkabundurri is directed by award- winning actor Alex Komang.

The star-heavy cast of Titiek Puspa, Paramitha Rusadi, Gito Rollies, Dian Mayasari and Titi Dwijayati will tell of dreams, hope and love.

TPI will offer traditional music and dangdut programs in addition to cartoons and local comedies.

Throughout Ramadhan, TPI's Bahana Dangdut will be aired Tuesdays at 11 a.m. The comedy Komedi Suka Suka airs on Sundays at 10:30 a.m.

Pop music lovers can have their fill with Music Pop Indonesia at 7:30 p.m. on Thursdays, and Music Pop Barat (Western pop music) on Mondays and Wednesdays at 10 p.m. (02)