Jakarta poets celebrated Wednesday night the city's anniversary through poetry readings and performances at Warung Apresiasi in Bulungan, South Jakarta.

The event, called Sastra Rabuan (Literary Wednesday), has been held every Wednesday this month and is organized by Paguyuban Sastra Rabu Malamor (the Wednesday Night Literary Community).

Since it was established earlier this month, Sastra Rabuan has been colored with different themes. The city's 481st anniversary was the reason for celebration this week.

"A lot of Jakartans enjoy literature, but they don't know how to appreciate it or express themselves through it," said Yohannes Sugianto, head of the event's organizing committee.

"There are many doors that can lead you to appreciating literature," he said. "What we're doing is actually creating a stage for young people who want to express themselves."

He said it was important to maintain an organic atmosphere during the event.

"The connection between the performers and the audience should be one that is liquid and flowing."

BETAWI MONOLOGUE: Artist Alan Stein performs a monologue at Warung Apresiasi cafe in Bulungan, South Jakarta, on Wednesday. (JP/Lovelli Ariesti)

Among the performances that night were songs about Jakarta by three-man band E-Sound Band, a poetry reading by Heri Latief and a monologue by Alan Stein from Bung Karno University.

E-Sound Band, with their witty lyrics and colorful tunes, grabbed the audience's attention. 

Alan Stein's monologue was more about strong religious values in Jakarta. Dressed in a traditional sarong, shirt and a peci (traditional black hat), Alan interacted freely with the audience breaking down the wall between them.

Also performing at the event were members of Bunga Matahari, a community that promotes the freedom of expression through Indonesian poetry.

The stage was open to anyone in the audience wishing to recite a poem.

Those who want to contribute or experience reading Indonesian poems in front of a large audience were more then welcome.

Although it was only the third Sastra Rabuan ever held, the committee was certain the event would continue in the future.

"We simply don't want people to see literature as something that is out of reach or difficult to comprehend," Yohannes said. (lva)

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