I

write in response to the article 'Jokowi inducts new Arts Council members' published in The Jakarta Post on April 17.

The new elected committee for music, literary, theater, arts, dance and film has a huge responsibility of instilling/life and enthusiasm in the people of Jakarta as well as those visiting for business or leisure.

The governor is undoubtedly correct in saying that a city is different with arts; they enliven a city. Art and culture preserve a country's heritage which is at presently in peril due to the dominance of the economic sector.

The governor's notion of holding various artistic and Betawi cultural events during Jakarta's 486th anniversary in June should be supported whole-heartedly because such events act against stagnation in society.

There is no doubt that every culture is defined by its artists; the artist is the guardian of the culture of the nation. The artist is the record-keeper of the heritage of a nation.

There are innumerable countries which we have not visited, but their monuments, melodies, dance and artworks have reached us through media and the credit for uplifting the name of their country goes to the artists. When people hear about amazing art and culture of a particular country, they make special efforts to visit that nation.

So, art and culture can be an active commercial industry if it is supported, guided and advertised properly.

This creative industry can attract tourists in great numbers. The governor is in no way wrong in boosting this industry.

Above all, art and culture provides an escape from unproductive work. Jokowi is trying to bring out the talent of the inner world to enhance the beauty of the outer world. May he succeed in his endeavor.

Indu Nandal
Purwakarta, West Java