Fireworks and Jakarta anniversary

Fireworks and Jakarta anniversary

From Warta Kota

Some mass media publications have reported that a cultural
festival kicked off on Saturday, May 31, to mark the commencement
of a series of activities held in conjunction with the
celebration of the 476th anniversary of Jakarta. This festival
was really a success, with thousands of people participating,
especially after the procession reached Fatahillah History Museum
in West Jakarta.

It is interesting to note that this event was also highlighted
by a 45-minute display of fireworks, the longest ever held in the
country. (The Indonesian Museum of Records has issued a
certificate in recognition of this.) Also entertaining the
audience was a Chinese dragon dance, with a 226-meter-long man-
made dragon.

One should ask, however, whether the timing was really
appropriate for such great festivities, an occasion that must
have required a lot of money. The Acehnese, for example, are now
suffering, as their region is still troubled by a separatist
movement. They live in fear because of the war raging there. Some
have had to flee their homes while others have been either killed
or wounded. Many schools have been destroyed by fire.

As the nation's capital, Jakarta may deserve great festivities
in the celebration of its anniversary. But again, is that really
the right thing to do at this time?

MARUTO BINARDJO

Jakarta