Production Addresses Issues Affecting Preschoolers in Indonesia

JAKARTA, Indonesia & NEW YORK (Business Wire EON/PRWEB ) February 13, 2008 -- From encouraging healthy habits to dealing with the aftermath of a flood, Jalan Sesama tackles serious issues impacting the children of Indonesia. But what makes this new children’s series so effective is its ability to marry life lessons with a sense of community, pride and humor. Produced by nonprofit educational organization Sesame Workshop in association with Jakarta-based Creative Indigo Production, Jalan Sesama features some furry friends, along with a few celebrity guests, helping children learn basic cognitive and social skills, while representing the vibrant diversity of the country's vast archipelago. The daily series, 52 half-hour episodes, debuts on Trans7, February 18, 2008.

We are thrilled to introduce Jalan Sesama, which represents the many faces and places of Indonesia, to our young viewers

“We are thrilled to introduce Jalan Sesama, which represents the many faces and places of Indonesia, to our young viewers,” said Robby T. Winarka, Managing Director, Creative Indigo Production. “Utilizing music, humor, and some famous friends, the series encourages interaction and exploration in homes and beyond!”

The first episode takes place at the bale-bale where viewers will meet the Muppets and human characters of Jalan Sesama as they get ready for the opening of the new library. The preparations lead to a ceremony and celebration that includes plenty of singing, dancing, and merrymaking! Live action and animation films are woven throughout each episode reinforcing the curriculum goals and showcasing Indonesian culture, tradition, language, and the arts.

Future storylines include:

• A family who has lost everything due to flooding. They come to stay with their friends at Jalan Sesama, where the characters lend their support and donate both their time and material things to help the family.
• A visit from Pak Dalang, a puppeteer who regularly visits Jalan Sesama. He not only puts on a show for the friends, he also teaches them how to make their very own shadow puppets.
• A visit to the doctor. Dr. Susan helps the characters learn about staying healthy and teaches them how to stand in line and wait their turn at the clinic.
• How to take a photo. Icha and Putri must figure out how to organize their friends so that they can all fit in the frame when their picture is taken.

The first season will also feature live action films of the orangutan conservation in Kalimantan and the one-horned rhinoceros conservation in Ujung Kulon. Both animals are endangered and are represented by the Muppet characters Tantan and Jabrik.

Animals aren’t the only ones dropping by Jalan Sesama. Drummer Gilang Ramadhan, Alford the Magician, soap star Irgi Fahrezi, trumpet player Eric Awuy, a capella group Jamaican Café, TV presenter Susan Bactiar, legendary Keroncong singer Hetty Koes Endang, movie star Surya Saputra, group Tangga, and legendary Titiek Puspa all join in on the fun this debut season.

“Collaborating with our local partners on the ground—Creative Indigo Production, Trans7, and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID)—we’ve created wonderful storylines and colorful characters that we hope will resonate with the children of Indonesia,” said Ginger Brown, Sesame Workshop’s Executive Producer for Jalan Sesama. “The series, full of laughter, adventure, and surprises, encourages viewers to appreciate and celebrate the diversity that surrounds them.”

“Jalan Sesama is one of TRANS7’s response to our audience who greatly show their appreciation for education and entertainment programs which we have committed to in our program line up,” says Achmad Ferizqo Irwan, Programming General Manager, TRANS7. He further added, “Jalan Sesama is also expected to enhance our image in providing good quality and safe programming for the family audience with the hopes that we will help increase children’s intelligence through edutainment programs.

Jalan Sesama engages local educators and child development experts in creating relevant and age-appropriate content. The series will address issues specific to the region such as encouraging young children to protect the environment and appreciate diversity.

In addition to the TV series, Gramedia Publishing will begin producing Jalan Sesama magazine, a monthly children’s publication with games and activities featuring the Muppet characters. The magazine will debut on newsstands beginning April 2008.

Initial funding for Jalan Sesama is made possible by the people of the United States of America through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).

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