Keep celebration in proper spirit: Emil<\/p>\n
JAKARTA (JP): Any activities to greet the coming golden
\nanniversary of Indonesia's independence should not rely too much
\non donation from wealthy businessmen, Emil Salim says.<\/p>\n
The executive chairman of the National Committee for
\nIndonesia's 50th anniversary said yesterday that any programs
\nshould be organized in the spirit of independence only.<\/p>\n
\"Don't beg for business conglomerates to help, especially
\nsince their assistance might turn out to curtail creativity,\" he
\nsaid.<\/p>\n
Emil spoke during a press conference break on the \"Horas
\nIndonesia 50 tahun\" festival at the Le Meridian Hotel. The
\nfestival, organized by the Batak sub-ethnic groups living in
\ngreater Jakarta, is slated for July 28 to 30 at the Jakarta
\nConvention Center.<\/p>\n
Emil reiterated that the committee has never and will not give
\nits permission to any group to collect funds for the celebration
\non its behalf.<\/p>\n
Many people have reportedly collected funds from the public
\nusing the committee's name to finance various independence
\nfestivals.<\/p>\n
\"Fund collecting by sub-committees is allowed only as far as
\nit doesn't involve any coercion,\" he said.<\/p>\n
Emil said no sanctions will be imposed on anyone unwilling to
\ntake part in the celebration.<\/p>\n
\"Today, for example, people adorn their houses with ornamental
\nlamps. This is good. But nobody will be punished just because
\nthey don't install the ornamental lamps,\" he said.<\/p>\n
Emil also said the committee and the government have yet to
\ndecide whether to declare August 18, which falls on Friday, a
\npublic holiday. One of the reasons for doing so is to allow
\nJakartans to rest after their exhausting and exhilarating August
\n17 celebration. (jsk)<\/p>",
"url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/keep-celebration-in-proper-spirit-emil-1447893297",
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"sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
"sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com"
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