`Who needs art, just give us Inul'
`Who needs art, just give us Inul'
Jakarta will observe its 476-year anniversary on June 22. In
celebration of the anniversary, the city is organizing various
festivities, including JakArt@ 2003, which features around 900
performances in more than 150 locations across the city. Some
residents are enthusiastic about the events, while others say it
is a waste of money. They expressed their ideas to The Jakarta
Post.
Suhaimi, 45, is a taxi driver and native Jakartan who lives in
Depok, West Java, with his wife and five children:
I'm not impressed with the festivals in conjunction with the
city's anniversary. I mean there is nothing special.
I'm not interested at all in the festivities. It might only
worsen the traffic congestion and reduce my income.
I remember the former city governor, Ali Sadikin, who always
made the city anniversary attractive and really entertaining for
the city residents. At every corner of the city, there were many
attractions.
It's completely different now, because the festivals are just
boring. At least that's what I feel.
I'm pretty sure that there is a lot of money being allocated
for the festivities. Alas, most of that disbursed money might be
used by certain high-ranking officials. So, the low-income people
will never get the real entertainment.
I realize that fun and entertaining festivities are important
for most Jakartans. But I don't think now I need that sort of
amusement in my life.
I can't even say whether or not I'm depressed. But from my
experience, since I start driving early in the morning and spend
all day long on the roads, I reckon I'm depressed.
Entertainment is no longer effective to relieve my day-to-day
depression. I guess I am used to a distress-filled life. I don't
need that.
Actually I like dangdut music particularly Inul with her
controversial dance. But I prefer to turn off my TV so as to
avoid any temptation in mind. Otherwise, I will be tired and I
will not work well the following day after being "tempted" by the
show.
Lyla, 29, is an employee with a private company in South
Jakarta. She resides in Tangerang, Banten, with her family:
The series of art festivals to mark the city anniversary
commemoration are meaningless, if I may say.
If it is to entertain the city residents, I wonder which part
of the community? I don't think those of the low-income brackets
will be amused.
Most low-income earners are just simply fed up with living
such a hardscrabble existence just to survive every day. Such
stress prevents us from enjoying entertainment. Art will not
soften the hardship.
It would be far better to give us free staple foods or hold
cheap bazaars for low-income people. I'm very sure that would
please most of the people in this city.
Honestly speaking, I'm not at all interested in the
commemoration of the city anniversary. Nothing is so special
about Sutiyoso's tenure.
I would rather praise the former city governor, Ali Sadikin,
who held more down-to-earth commemorations. It was more enjoyable
in my opinion.
Hamka, is a university student in Pondok Labu, South Jakarta.
He resides in Halim, East Jakarta, with his family:
I welcome the art festivals to mark the celebration of the
city anniversary. It's a good idea.
I think a touch of art here will minimize the image of the
city which is often related to violence and hardship for most
people.
Without art, I guess life becomes tedious and clumsy. The art
festival will touch the hearts of the busy people. So, I agree
with the JakArt@ 2003 festival.
I believe that many Jakartans have great untapped potential in
the arts, in many ways. The festivities will serve as a medium
for those who want to express something artistically.
For instance, the mural paintings are good to avoid vandalism
and graffiti in many parts of the city.
Thus, the festivals should move on to keep up with the
creative people and to meet the public demand for art in the
city.
Personally, I like all kinds of art, but music is my favorite.
-- Leo Wahyudi S