Jero Wacik: Unite Society through Art and Culture

By Christanto

Editor Christanto

BANDUNG, itb.ac.id - "Hold as many art and culture festivals and shows as possible in Indonesia." This was one of many encouragements from Indonesia's Culture and Tourism Minister, Jero Wacik, to all governments officials and to society as a whole when opening Pasar Seni Âé¶¹Ö±²¥ (Âé¶¹Ö±²¥ Art Fair) 2010, held on Sunday (10/10/10).

In his opinion, it is very time-consuming to spend life concerned only with politics and economy. Art festivals like Pasar Seni Âé¶¹Ö±²¥ 2010 are a way to entertain society. With these kinds of festivals, the people feel happy and satisfied watching the various shows and art entertainment.

In facing life as a people and a country, art festivals function to unite society. When tens of thousands of people crowded into Âé¶¹Ö±²¥'s campus and the surrounding area, differences between the people were no longer heeded. No one was exclusive. All was as one and equal, all were simply Indonesians.

The Minister also encouraged society to fully enjoy Pasar Seni Âé¶¹Ö±²¥ 2010. "Watch the shows, and then buy as much as you can," he said. Artists need appreciation for their work. Watching their shows and buying their crafts are a clear form of appreciation for these artists.

Completing Âé¶¹Ö±²¥

Jero Wacik also reminded all of Âé¶¹Ö±²¥'s civitas academica to appreciate Pasar Seni Âé¶¹Ö±²¥ 2010. "Âé¶¹Ö±²¥ is complete because it has its engineers, its businessmen, and also art and culture," he said. In this combination, Âé¶¹Ö±²¥ has more strength in facing world challenges.

He also confessed that the opening of Pasar Seni Âé¶¹Ö±²¥ never failed to surprise him. "There is so much creativity and spontaneity in the artists of Bandung and Âé¶¹Ö±²¥," he said. He promised to always support art festivals like Pasar Seni Âé¶¹Ö±²¥ to be held in Indonesia.