Children pick up pocket money after c'ship
Wahyoe Boediwardhana, The Jakarta Post, Sanur, Bali
A number of children and teenagers from Kampung Bugis on Serangan Island, 18 kilometers south of Denpasar, looked very happy. Muharram, 14, and the other 15 children aged between nine and 15 years old, were working hard collecting used bullets hidden in the sand.
The bullets were used by 480 shooters during the recent AustralAsia Shooting and Shotgun championship, held since last Saturday in Serangan.
The scorching sun did not prevent the boys from collecting the precious items, used bullets.
"I have collected a lot of used bullets, nearly 2 kilograms. I hope I can get more today," exclaimed the 14 year-old Muharram, pointing to his plastic bag.
Like other children on the island, playing outdoors is their after-school activity. But, this has been a special week. They have been going to the area surrounding the current venue of the shooting championship. They are not interested in the sport itself, but rather in collecting used bullets to fill in their pockets.
Kampung Bugis is located on the five-hectare Serangan Island, presently used as the main venue for the AustralAsia Shooting and Shotgun Championship. Around 480 athletes from 32 countries are now taking part in the championship.
During practice, participants could use dozens of bullets. After the practice time, children would flock to the venue to get as many used bullets as possible and put them into plastic bag.
"Many children here have no idea that the used bullets are salable. A few days ago, I could collect a lot of used bullets, but now every kid knows that they can sell these items," said Muharram.
The used bullets can be sold for Rp 9,000 (around US$1) per kilo, enough to buy books and other school needs.
In 2003, Muharram obtained Rp 150,000 during the national shooting competition.
Nuryadi, 9, said that he would give all collected bullets to his parents.
"My parents will take them to a man who often buys used goods, especially metal, cans and plastic bottles from scavengers," Nuryadi said.
Sometimes, Nuryadi has to compete with bigger and tougher boys. But he never gives up.
It has been a risky job for a boy as young as Nuryadi. Security guards and officials at the venue frequently warn the boys against entering the venue, let alone collecting the used bullets, because of security reasons.
Yet, the boys enjoy it very much. Besides, they can get money for their families, mostly poor and impoverished fishermen.
"Unfortunately, not many games were held on the island. We hope there will be more shooting practices and competitions in our village," another boy grinned.
At least for eight days, children of Serangan Island got a rare opportunity to earn some money. But parents and officials of the organizing committee must be stricter to prevent these children from having an accident.
Final Result Indonesian Shotgun 2004 Open class : Michael Voigt (USA) 1110,3162 points Evgeny Efimov (RSA) 919,8053 points Ralph Aredondo (USA) 885,9190 points Roy Heryanto (INA) 870.6799 points
Standard Otomatic : Narongsak Kae Muangpet (THA) 1043,4356 points Neil Beverley (GBR) 1037.1184 points Marian Vysny (SVK) 1002,0978 points 16. Richard Hendarmo (INA) 705,3986 points
Standard Manual : Jerome Poiret (FRA) 1016,3896 points Jackson Yuqimpo (PHI) 984,5073 points Konstantinos Souma Leuris (GRE) 777,2677 points