The show must go on amid crisis<\/p>\n
Novan Iman Santosa, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta<\/p>\n
Many city residents are looking forward to Independence Day with
\nhigh spirits despite the ongoing crisis as they feel that
\ncelebrating Aug. 17 has become a tradition.<\/p>\n
Interviewed separately on Tuesday, the residents, who are from
\nthe lower to middle-income bracket, told The Jakarta Post that
\nsuch a celebration was important not only to commemorate the
\nstruggle for independence but also to develop more of a sense of
\nbelonging amid individualistic urban life.<\/p>\n
\"We still manage to celebrate Independence Day even with a
\ntight budget. We donate not only money but also other things such
\nas cakes or decorations,\" said Sekar Anwar, a resident at Kebon
\nKacang low-cost apartments in Central Jakarta.<\/p>\n
\"It is not the money that matters but the opportunity to get
\ntogether with our neighbors.\"<\/p>\n
She also said there was a minimum contribution of Rp 10,000
\n(US$1.11) but those who were more affluent usually gave more.<\/p>\n
Meanwhile, head of a community unit (RW) in Cikoko sub-
\ndistrict just off Jl. M.T. Haryono in South Jakarta, Muhammad
\nZaini Harris, said contributions were voluntary according to
\nresidents' financial status.<\/p>\n
A local resident, Muhay, said that a few years ago, the
\ncommunity unit set a minimum contribution.<\/p>\n
\"Usually the minimum contribution is Rp 5,000 or Rp 10,000.
\nBut since the economic crisis, the contribution is only expected
\nfrom residents who are better off financially,\" he said.<\/p>\n
Budi, who is always actively involved in preparing the
\ncelebrations in his neighborhood, said his community unit in
\nCibubur, East Jakarta, set a minimum contribution of Rp 5,000.<\/p>\n
Independence Day celebrations usually include sports and
\nentertainment activities as well as small-scale carnivals.<\/p>\n
Neighborhoods all over the city also organizes sports
\ncompetitions such as badminton, soccer, table tennis and
\nvolleyball.<\/p>\n
Community-based musical groups of all musical genre also take
\nthis opportunity to show off their skill.<\/p>\n
Organizing celebrations during times of economic hardship may
\nseem useless but many residents say the celebrations still serve
\nits function.<\/p>\n
According to Zaini, such celebrations were a perfect occasion
\nfor young people to channel their creativity and ideas as well as
\nthe chance for them to learn teamwork.<\/p>\n
\"Organizing such celebrations is more constructive for the
\nyoung instead of being involved in street brawls. Not only can
\nthey learn how to work together but also learn more about their
\nsurroundings,\" he said.<\/p>\n
\"We celebrate Independence Day from our heart every year. It
\nhas become a sort of tradition to do so,\" he added.<\/p>\n
Sekar said people should not only look at the external show of
\nsuch celebrations. \"The celebration is an expression of our
\nexcitement in gaining our own freedom,\" she said.<\/p>\n
\"Besides, it is the perfect time to get to know our neighbors
\nwhich is impossible during our routine daily lives.\"<\/p>",
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"sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
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