Sanur Festival opens today

SANUR: Trade Minister Mari Elka Pangestu is scheduled to open the annual Sanur Village Festival on Wednesday.

Fifteen countries are expected to participate in the festival, which will feature traditional arts and cultures, water sports, music, dance, art exhibitions, discussions and seminars from Aug. 4-8. The highlight of the festival's opening is expected to be the launch of the recently renovated Sindu traditional market.

"The Sindu market marks the revitalization of traditional markets in Bali, "said festival organizer IB Gede Sidhartha Putra.

The renovation of the market cost an estimated Rp 4 billion (US$448,000).

The annual festival will also feature a jazz music festival, culinary competitions, exhibitions and a kite festival. Environmental programs promoting the preservation of Sanur's coral reefs will also be showcased. More than 20,000 visitors are expected to attend the event, according to organizers. - JP