Businesses commemorate the big day in their own way
A festive and colorful atmosphere has descended on most parts of the country in recent days as many people prepare for the celebration of the 58th Independence Day.
Patriotic people in both the kampongs and cities decorate their homes with red and white banners and flags while others hang colorful light bulbs to commemorate the day.
A series of sporting activities are also held as part of the celebration that will peak on Independence Day, which falls on Sunday Aug. 17.
Businesses too have their own way of expressing their patriotism. Some share with the greater community by sponsoring a variety of sports competitions while others launch charity programs or conduct social activities.
Several companies also celebrate the special day with their employees at their office and hold several games for people in the surrounding community, such as ball war games played in water, betel palm tree climbing competitions and five-a-side- soccer.
DHL, for instance, said that during this Independence Day celebrations, it would include a series of family days held by branches for all the employees and their family members, an employees' sports day and a karaoke competition.
"On the social side, we kicked off a six-month environment awareness program and also a series of DHL Challenge days in which DHL employees volunteered a day of their time to take part in community development program across the country," DHL's Senior Technical Advisor Alan Cassells said.
Particular companies take advantage of the Independence Day to strengthen their business presence. PT Coca Cola Indonesia, for instance, provides free drinks for guests attending the Independence Day ceremony held at the State Palace.
PT Coca Cola's bottled water division AdeS, in cooperation with the Indonesian Doctor Association (IDI), is organizing a training course on health, with lessons focused on how to manage clean and safe water for consumption.
"Besides, the Independence Day is being celebrated in residential areas where community agents are located to introduce our products," said PT Coca Cola's Marketing Communication Manager Arif Mujahidin.
State-owned international telecommunications company PT Indosat provides sponsorship for a variety of sports at kampongs under its 'Red and White' Program. Its IM3 mobile phone operator will give free cellular cards to the winners as a reward.
The company is also offering a program called Smart Red and White for customers. Customers who purchase IM3 starter cards will be entitled to 10,000 free phone credits as a bonus during the month of August.
Satelindo is currently providing discount rates for its SLI 008 up to 40 percent for customers nationwide. The offer, effective since July 1, 2003, is valid for communication throughout the world. "For customers who purchase a starter pack priced at Rp 50,000, they will be entitled to 25,000 credits with additional 10,000 credits as a bonus.
Meanwhile, most hotels in Jakarta are taking advantage of the Independence Day celebrations to conduct gourmet activities as well as to promote their menu with an Indonesian flavor as more guests are expected to spend the national holiday having lunch or dinner at their cafes or restaurants.
Hotel Grand Mahakam, for instance, is launching a seven-day food promotion program featuring traditional Indonesian food at Le Gran Cafi restaurant. Themed 'Taste of Indonesia', the program provides at least 130 kinds of specialties selected from various Indonesian areas, such as Java, Sumatra, Bali, Nusa Tenggara, Kalimantan and Sulawesi. The program kicked off on August 16, 2003 and will run through August 22, 2003.
The hotel is also serving specialties using Western styles but cooked with traditional ingredients. "But during the promotional period, guests can also find their favorite international cuisines as we will always be a hotel with an 'international dining venue'," said Hotel Gran Mahakam's Marketing Communication Manager Lira Dachlan.
Several hotels have started their Indonesian promotional programs earlier to celebrate the Independence Day. Shangri-la, Jakarta commenced its Indonesian Food Festival at its Coffee Garden on August 11, 2003 and will run through August 17, 2003. The festival is presenting a tantalizing array of traditional Indonesian food, selected from 30 provinces. It will be a good venue for those wishing to experience the multitude of ingredients, cooking styles and flavors.
Like most companies, many hotels also hold a series of activities involving their management and their employees. The big family of Gran Mahakam Hotel will have fun together by having a picnic together at Ancol Dream Land. The management of Shangri- la, Jakarta will share joy with their employees through a variety of fun games.
To the companies and hotels, Independence Day will not only a time for celebration. So, what does this special day mean to them and what do they expect from it?
"As we mark this year's Independence Day, we are also reaffirming DHL's continuing commitment to the development of Indonesia and especially of our human resources which are vital for a service-oriented company, such as DHL," said DHL's Communication & E-commerce Manager Edi Prayitno Hirsam.
The celebration is also a time for contemplation by all Indonesians as "we continue to tackle the many challenges that lie ahead. We hope it will mark the beginning of a sustained period of peace and prosperity for everyone in Indonesia," Edi said.
Indosat hopes that this Independence Day will be able to strengthen the unity of the nation. "Indosat sees this year's Independence Day as good momentum for all of the people to look inside themselves with respect to the various disasters and crises, politically, economically and culturally," the company said.
Hotel Gran Mahakam also shares the same spirit. "We do hope that this year's Independence Day will mark the beginning of the revival of the country. Security is expected to be restored so that the tourism and hotel industry will soon recover," said Lira Dachlan of Hotel Gran Mahakam.
-- Sudibyo M. Wiradji