Lack of applicants registering in the 2014 Abang None (Abnon) contest is regretted by the organizer committee. The prestige of the contest, which has been held annually since many years ago to commemorate Jakarta’s anniversary, is declining more and more. Moreover, private television stations nowadays offer similar contests that are more exciting and promising popularity in a short time.

Indeed, there are so many talent programs on television this year. We cannot compete

“ Indeed, there are so many talent programs on television this year. We cannot compete. But, it will be our evaluation material later after the Abnon contest is held . Now, it cannot be ascertained yet,” said Head of South Jakarta Tourism Sub-Department, Ukar Saputra, Thursday (4/17).

According to Saputra, in previous years, Abnon contest was an idol for the youngsters, especially because Abnon finalist alumni could achieve a career in entertainment world. “To make it more interesting, we’ll probably look for more fresh innovation later,” he told.

Saputra explained that Abnon finalists are automatically participated in all tourism activities in Jakarta, including protocol matters. “It is already stated in the Governor’s Decree that Abnon participants who become finalists will be involved in cultural tourism and protocol events,” he stated.

In South Jakarta alone, the selection process of Abnon contest went smoothly and 15 couples out of 160 participants have been selected last week. “The 15 couples are currently undergoing quarantine stage. It is scheduled that the final night will be on June 3,” he informed.

In the quarantine, Saputra added, the finalists are given special materials. “The materials include knowledge about tourism, culture, public speaking, promotional material, and others. So, when they completed the quarantine, they will get not only knowledge, but also the ability to grow themselves to perform better in front of public,” he uttered.