Betawi people vow to help General Session succeed

JAKARTA (JP): Thousands of members of the Betawi (native Jakartans) community have pledged to help next month's People's Consultative Assembly General Session succeed.

The crowd, arriving in about 1,000 buses from all over Greater Jakarta, which includes Tangerang, Bekasi and Bogor, made the pledge yesterday at the Senayan east parking lot, Central Jakarta, during a display of unity in a post-Idul Fitri celebration.

The gathering was arranged to forge public support and to ensure safety in the capital ahead of next month's General Session to elect a president for the 1998/2003 period and amid economic uncertainty and growing unemployment.

In a brief address in front of the people, Fahmi Idris, a representative of Bamus Betawi -- a Betawi discussion group which hosted the gathering -- revealed its six-point pledge that mainly stated the Jakartans' spirit to keep the country's unity in diversity.

"We never stop praying for the sake of this country. We are deeply concerned about the economic crisis which has hit this city and this nation hard," he said.

"Therefore, we won't let any irresponsible parties take advantage of the situation and will stay close to the Armed Forces to avoid any possible chaotic condition," Fahmi said.

The national development is the best concept possible here and it must be maintained by the New Order government, he said, underlining the importance of keeping peace and a positive mind without thinking about race, religion or culture.

"This Syawal month is a good opportunity to forgive each other. We, the Betawi, forgive all the wrongdoings of all parties that may be involved in corruption, collusion or any malfeasance... in a hope that all people will redeem themselves and stop making the same mistakes," Fahmi said, followed by big applause.

Also on stage for the reading of the Betawi's six-point pledge were several Bamus' representatives, including Fauzi Bowo, Edy Nalapraya, Amarullah Asbah and Quraish Shihab.

After the reading, all guests of honor went on stage and gave Idul Fitri greetings to each other.

Most of the city's high-ranking officials and figures went to the gathering. Jakarta Governor Sutiyoso, Jakarta Military Commander Maj. Gen. Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin, City Police chief Maj. Gen. Hamami Natta and City Council Chairman Edy Waluyo were among the guests.

The chairman of Bamus Betawi, Edi Nalapraya, reiterated his colleague's remarks by saying the people were at a crucial turning point. "If we want to survive, we have to keep the unity," he said.

"Betawi people who are called primitive and slow-developing eventually join the forces of unity. This is very important," he said.

The Rp 63 million event was broadcast live by RCTI from 7:30 a.m. to 10 a.m.

Many participants were seen bringing their own mats and refreshments.

"Some 55,000 people have joined this event, including 8,000 residents sent by each of Jakarta's five mayoralties and 5,000 people from Tangerang and Bekasi, with another 5,000 security personnel," said Let. Col. D.J. Nachrowi, Jakarta Military Command spokesman.

Maj. Gen. Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin told reporters during the event that Jakarta was safe and secure.

"Despite the increasingly tense political condition here due to several activities ahead of next month's General Session, Jakarta is still under control," he said.

When asked about a series of riots hitting several cities and areas near Jakarta, Sjafrie urged residents to strengthen unity and not be easily provoked by rumors.

"We will not let people suffer because of some nasty actions. Therefore, we will give our best service to protect and guard the people," he said.

Many male attendants wore the traditional costume, arriving in PPD and Mayasari Bakti city buses and Metromini and Kopaja minibuses.

Attendants distributed McDonald's food as they came to the arena.

"I like it, as if it is a payment for us," said teenager Sri Indra Sutiani, from Kemang, South Jakarta.

The crowd was entertained by Indonesian performers, including Jaja Miharja, Titik Puspa, Gito Rollies and Dedi Mizwar. (edt/ind)