MONAS TO PRESENT JAK-JAPAN MATSURI FESTIVAL

by Andi Abdussalam

Jakarta, Sept 17 (ANTARA) - Like a thunder-bolt piercing the skies in the Merdeka Square in Central Jakarta, the National Monument (Monas) stands firmly as if it tirelessly watched the endless hustle and bustle of the Indonesian capital city.          As it is a historical monument, the Jakarta administration and the Japanese government have decided to hold at the Monas Square a week-long 2011 Jak-Japanese Matsuri, a festival held to observe the Japanese recent tsunami and to foster relations between the peoples of Japan and Indonesia.       Measuring 433 ft (132m) in length, topped by a flame covered with over 30 kg gold foil, the tower was started to be built under the direction of former president Sukarno to symbolize the fight for Indonesia's independence.          Monas has since witnessed different events, starting from political movements such as the communist aborted coup attempt in 1965 and the reforms movement in 1998 up to different functions, arts and cultural festivals.          Having a function as a tourism spot, Monas has been visited by local and foreign tourists, and now it is to host the 2011 Jak-Japan Matsuri, a festival which is expected to further cement the friendship of the peoples of Indonesia and Japan.          The government of Jakarta and the Japanese embassy in Jakarta is cooperating to realize the festival at the Monas square which will last from September 18 to September 25, 2011.          "The Jak-Japan Matsuri festival can be expected to overcome problems being faced by both nations in the fields of politics, environment and food resilience," Jakarta Governor Fauzi Bowo said over the weekend.          The festival is also a reflection of thanks over the cooperation between the Japanese people and their Indonesian friends in assisting the earthquake victims in Japan last March.          The role of the Indonesian government and residents in helping the earthquake and tsunami victims in Japan in late March received high appreciation from the Japanese government.          As a form of their gratitude as well as to improve relationship and cooperation between Japan and Indonesia, the event of 2011 Jak-Japan Matsuri will be held on September 18-25, 2011.          The opening will be held in a hotel in Central Jakarta, while the event series until closing will be held in Monas.          "Hopefully the citizens will love this event, in order to improve the friendship between Japan and Indonesia," Kenichi Kuroda, Chief Organizer of 2011 Jak-Japan Matsuri, was quoted by BritaJakarta.com, the official site of the Jakarta government, as saying.          In the meantime, Yoshimori Katori as the Japan Ambassador to Indonesia expressed that this event was also to show their gratitude toward Indonesia's assistance during the disasters period.          "We want to express our gratitude toward the Indonesian people, especially Mr. and Mrs. President (Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono and his wife) who have visited Japan and at that time showed empathy to the Japanese, especially the tsunami victims. That is a remarkable thing for us," he stated.          Governor Fauzi said the 2011 Jak-Japan Matsuri festival was a reflection of friendship between the residents of Jakarta and the Tokyo city while showing "our appreciation" towards the Japanese arts and culture.          The event will perform Japanese musical drama and traditional musical performance as well as introduce Japanese cultures, such as Japanese tea and friendship sports competition.          Therefore, Fauzi Bowo welcome the event which is predicted to attract citizens' attention. After all, according to him, there are many Japanese communities in Jakarta.          "We will prove that Jakarta is a good host for activities held in the capital city. Jakarta residents are always giving appreciation toward various Japanese arts and cultures," he said.           The governor expressed his hope that the event can strengthen the friendship of the two countries and reinforcing cooperation in solving problems that may be faced by both nations.         "We should strengthen our cooperation to solve problems in the sectors of politic, environment and food security," he added.         He also urged Jakarta residents to be a good host by maintaining public order and security, so that the visitors can feel comfortable and safe.         "Let's prove that Jakarta can be a good city and host for upcoming events which will be held in Jakarta," he asserted.         The event will last from September 18 to September 25 with opening ceremony at Hotel Nikko and closing one at the Monas square.         The Ismail Marzuki cultural and arts center, the Japanese Cultural Center and Bung Karno Sports Stadium will also serve as a place for the performance of musical drama, traditional music, friendship soccer match, photo exhibition and culinary workshop.***4*** (T.A014/A/H-NG/10:52  ) 17-09-2011 11:20: