Good News For Central Javanese Artists, Governor Ganjar Allow Returns To Performances

JAKARTA - Artists in Central Java Province are allowed to return to perform during the COVID-19 pandemic with various requirements that must be met related to health protocols.

"Yes, yesterday these artist friends made a video with the title of an open letter, in essence they wanted to 'vent' and complain about why they couldn't perform. Of course this is related to the economy, the point is they want to perform and ask us to arrange many things," said the Governor of Central Java, Ganjar Pranowo. in Semarang, reported by Antara, Tuesday, March 16.

Nevertheless, he asked the artists to sit down together and make an agreement, which in essence is that the implementation of health protocols in every entertainment performance that is carried out must be carried out strictly.

"If everyone agrees, the point is the health protocol. Can the health work or not? Earlier they said they would play at weddings, if it is agreed upon and I want to do a trial, let's try it first, artists appear at weddings but the process is strictly regulated, the distance is regulated, guests 'flow' is regulated and they are not allowed to sing or dance together, "he said.

According to Ganjar, if this could be done, the potential for artists to return to the stage would be very high, especially seeing the color gradation of the COVID-19 case in Central Java which continues to improve.

"Just like the face-to-face school we are preparing now, but the process must be prepared. Now, the artist friends must also be prepared, for example the area is green, there are weddings, please appear entertaining, but the process must be really maintained. Of course the atmosphere is different because feels cold, but with a situation like this, maybe that is the most optimal way, "he said.

In fact, continued Ganjar, not only small-scale activities such as weddings, it is possible for large concerts to be held after an agreement between artists has been reached regarding the implementation of health protocols, for example large concerts with the "drive in" method or other methods.

"So I will give you a chance, try the discussion first and give the results to us while waiting for it. I also order not to give up and keep creating. If you can't perform, then look for other sources of income, some of them are selling, so YouTuber, I think the economy can still run, "he said.

This was conveyed by Ganjar when receiving a visit from a number of artists to the Central Java Governor's office.

The artists who attended included a dangdut singer from Semarang City Resa Lawangsewu, a young singer from Magelang, Woro Widowati, Chairman of the Indonesian Malay-Dangdut Music Artist Association (PAMMI) Semarang City, Hendra Saputra.