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