Keep celebration in proper spirit: Emil

JAKARTA (JP): Any activities to greet the coming golden anniversary of Indonesia's independence should not rely too much on donation from wealthy businessmen, Emil Salim says.

The executive chairman of the National Committee for Indonesia's 50th anniversary said yesterday that any programs should be organized in the spirit of independence only.

"Don't beg for business conglomerates to help, especially since their assistance might turn out to curtail creativity," he said.

Emil spoke during a press conference break on the "Horas Indonesia 50 tahun" festival at the Le Meridian Hotel. The festival, organized by the Batak sub-ethnic groups living in greater Jakarta, is slated for July 28 to 30 at the Jakarta Convention Center.

Emil reiterated that the committee has never and will not give its permission to any group to collect funds for the celebration on its behalf.

Many people have reportedly collected funds from the public using the committee's name to finance various independence festivals.

"Fund collecting by sub-committees is allowed only as far as it doesn't involve any coercion," he said.

Emil said no sanctions will be imposed on anyone unwilling to take part in the celebration.

"Today, for example, people adorn their houses with ornamental lamps. This is good. But nobody will be punished just because they don't install the ornamental lamps," he said.

Emil also said the committee and the government have yet to decide whether to declare August 18, which falls on Friday, a public holiday. One of the reasons for doing so is to allow Jakartans to rest after their exhausting and exhilarating August 17 celebration. (jsk)