Kassandra steals attention

Kassandra steals attention

By R. Alpha Amirrachman

JAKARTA (JP): I didn't know why Penny, an 18-year-old student, missed my English class on particular days until she told me honestly, "because I couldn't afford to miss Kassandra, Sir."

Oh, Kassandra, how influential you are!

I'm not very interested in watching the famous soap opera, but I'm absolutely positive that Kassandra has stolen millions of Indonesians' attention. The soap opera is aired every Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. and is watched mostly by girls, women and housewives.

Marlyn, my neighbor, commented, "The story is just great...it goes without saying. I get carried away every time I see it. I never miss it. You know, Kassandra is too honest and modest, how could such horrible things happen to such a nice girl like her? It is completely unfair. I just can't wait to find out what is going to happen to her in the next episode."

Even my mother said, "Luis David is not only handsome and charming, but also patient and very calm. The way he tackles every problem he faces really impresses me. I admire him so much. He could handle himself under any circumstance. Other people do not like him, especially the maid who is aware of the true love between Kassandra and him."

Normally, she lets our servant to stop working when Kassandra is on, so they can share the show together. My grandmother is also a big fan, but she has trouble hearing so she always asks my sister to explain what is going on. My grandmother got a lump in the throat when Kassandra was accused of murdering her husband.

Once, at a South Jakartan hospital, I saw a bunch of people milling around in front of the operating room. They all looked very serious. I thought they must be praying for a relative having an operation. I was about to convey my sympathy to one of them when I noticed the group, comprised mostly of women, were standing around a TV watching Kassandra. My sympathy quickly disappeared.

I have to admit, however, that Coraima Torres's charm has compelled millions of people to sit in front of their TVs. Thirty-eight countries around the world air the soap opera. I am afraid that Indonesians are overly enthusiastic.

Kassandra has become a bond between Indonesian women, especially housewives. This Venezuelan telenovela is much better than the violent movies that are always on, and Indonesian telenovelas. TV is now a source of information and a place where you can find anything you need or don't need.

I believe Kassandra has adversely affected our developing economy.

Sugeng, a friend who owns a medium-sized company, was upset to find that some of his employees were watching Kassandra during office hours.

"They have become unconscientious," he complained. "Kassandra has started to wear the pants at my office. I don't know who I have to blame -- my employees, the TV stations or maybe TV itself. But I strongly believe it would be better if the TV stations showed Kassandra at night."

Ida, a newly married woman, told me, "Even when I shop at a supermarket, I have no hesitation to ask the staff to turn on the TV when Kassandra is on. It's no problem, I can still manage my job as a housewife."

I reluctantly had to accompany my sister, Irma, and her friend, Erni, to see Coraima "Kassandra" Torres at Ancol last November. Thousands of housewives came from every corner of Greater Jakarta to see the star. We arrived at 9:30 a.m. and waited, until Coraima Torres came at 3 p.m., among thousands of people. Erni, who was fortunately standing very close to Kassandra, screamed hysterically when the star kissed her.

"Oh, my God! Kassandra kissed me. She kissed me. She kissed me. I will never wash my face...never!" she screamed.

My sister was not so lucky. She had fainted, because of her low blood sugar level and the excitement, and came to only after her favorite star had gone. Oh, Kassandra!

R. Alpha Amirrachman is an English instructor at American Language Training.