Few observe Heroes Day

Tiarma Siboro The Jakarta Post Jakarta

Unlike in the past years, no sound of sirens across the country remarking minutes of silence to pay tribute to the fallen forefathers of independence.

Only a handful of people attended the Heroes Day ceremony at the Kalibata heroes cemetery.

Among top military brass, only Jakarta Garrison chief Brig. Gen. Harry Pisand Pinem and Jakarta Military commander Maj. Gen. Bibit Waluyo attended the 15-minute ceremony at Kalibata, presided over by Coordinating Minister for People's Welfare Jusuf Kalla.

The country's leaders, including the President, Vice President and legislative speakers, were not seen commemorating the heroes' day.

In the heroes' city of Surabaya, where the heroes' day came from, the commemoration was marked by a social drive led East Java governor to clean the city from garbage.

"The city has long facing problem with garbage. In line with the commemoration of the National Heroes' Day, I urge people here to clean up the city," governor Imam Utomo said.

Another meaningful celebration was a strewing flower ceremony conducted at KRI Teluk Ende war ship, led by Coordinating Minister for Political and Security Affairs Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono.

Also attended at the ceremony was the Navy Chief of Staff Adm. Indroko Sastrowiryono.

Despite less fanfares, Navy spokesman Commodore Franky Kayhatu said the national heroes' day was still meaningful for the Indonesian Military (TNI).

He said each military units held their own ceremonies, led by their own leaders.