Betawi people vow to help General Session succeed<\/p>\n
JAKARTA (JP): Thousands of members of the Betawi (native
\nJakartans) community have pledged to help next month's People's
\nConsultative Assembly General Session succeed.<\/p>\n
The crowd, arriving in about 1,000 buses from all over Greater
\nJakarta, which includes Tangerang, Bekasi and Bogor, made the
\npledge yesterday at the Senayan east parking lot, Central
\nJakarta, during a display of unity in a post-Idul Fitri
\ncelebration.<\/p>\n
The gathering was arranged to forge public support and to
\nensure safety in the capital ahead of next month's General
\nSession to elect a president for the 1998\/2003 period and amid
\neconomic uncertainty and growing unemployment.<\/p>\n
In a brief address in front of the people, Fahmi Idris, a
\nrepresentative of Bamus Betawi -- a Betawi discussion group which
\nhosted the gathering -- revealed its six-point pledge that mainly
\nstated the Jakartans' spirit to keep the country's unity in
\ndiversity.<\/p>\n
\"We never stop praying for the sake of this country. We are
\ndeeply concerned about the economic crisis which has hit this
\ncity and this nation hard,\" he said.<\/p>\n
\"Therefore, we won't let any irresponsible parties take
\nadvantage of the situation and will stay close to the Armed
\nForces to avoid any possible chaotic condition,\" Fahmi said.<\/p>\n
The national development is the best concept possible here and
\nit must be maintained by the New Order government, he said,
\nunderlining the importance of keeping peace and a positive mind
\nwithout thinking about race, religion or culture.<\/p>\n
\"This Syawal month is a good opportunity to forgive each
\nother. We, the Betawi, forgive all the wrongdoings of all parties
\nthat may be involved in corruption, collusion or any
\nmalfeasance... in a hope that all people will redeem themselves
\nand stop making the same mistakes,\" Fahmi said, followed by big
\napplause.<\/p>\n
Also on stage for the reading of the Betawi's six-point pledge
\nwere several Bamus' representatives, including Fauzi Bowo, Edy
\nNalapraya, Amarullah Asbah and Quraish Shihab.<\/p>\n
After the reading, all guests of honor went on stage and gave
\nIdul Fitri greetings to each other.<\/p>\n
Most of the city's high-ranking officials and figures went to
\nthe gathering. Jakarta Governor Sutiyoso, Jakarta Military
\nCommander Maj. Gen. Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin, City Police chief Maj.
\nGen. Hamami Natta and City Council Chairman Edy Waluyo were among
\nthe guests.<\/p>\n
The chairman of Bamus Betawi, Edi Nalapraya, reiterated his
\ncolleague's remarks by saying the people were at a crucial
\nturning point. \"If we want to survive, we have to keep the
\nunity,\" he said.<\/p>\n
\"Betawi people who are called primitive and slow-developing
\neventually join the forces of unity. This is very important,\" he
\nsaid.<\/p>\n
The Rp 63 million event was broadcast live by RCTI from 7:30
\na.m. to 10 a.m.<\/p>\n
Many participants were seen bringing their own mats and
\nrefreshments.<\/p>\n
\"Some 55,000 people have joined this event, including 8,000
\nresidents sent by each of Jakarta's five mayoralties and 5,000
\npeople from Tangerang and Bekasi, with another 5,000 security
\npersonnel,\" said Let. Col. D.J. Nachrowi, Jakarta Military
\nCommand spokesman.<\/p>\n
Maj. Gen. Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin told reporters during the event
\nthat Jakarta was safe and secure.<\/p>\n
\"Despite the increasingly tense political condition here due
\nto several activities ahead of next month's General Session,
\nJakarta is still under control,\" he said.<\/p>\n
When asked about a series of riots hitting several cities and
\nareas near Jakarta, Sjafrie urged residents to strengthen unity
\nand not be easily provoked by rumors.<\/p>\n
\"We will not let people suffer because of some nasty actions.
\nTherefore, we will give our best service to protect and guard the
\npeople,\" he said.<\/p>\n
Many male attendants wore the traditional costume, arriving in
\nPPD and Mayasari Bakti city buses and Metromini and Kopaja
\nminibuses.<\/p>\n
Attendants distributed McDonald's food as they came to the
\narena.<\/p>\n
\"I like it, as if it is a payment for us,\" said teenager Sri
\nIndra Sutiani, from Kemang, South Jakarta.<\/p>\n
The crowd was entertained by Indonesian performers, including
\nJaja Miharja, Titik Puspa, Gito Rollies and Dedi Mizwar.
\n(edt\/ind)<\/p>",
"url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/betawi-people-vow-to-help-general-session-succeed-1447893297",
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"sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
"sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com"
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