People celebrate Independence Day in their own way

People celebrate Independence Day in their own way

JAKARTA (JP): Skipping the 56th Independence Day ceremony at
Merdeka Palace, former president Abdurrahman "Gus Dur" Wahid
celebrated the event on Friday with street children and other
residents at his residential complex in South Jakarta..

Former presidential spokesman Wimar Witoelar, former state
minister of women's empowerment Chofifah Indar Parawansa and
Harry Rusli, a Bandung-based musician, were among the VIPs here.

The celebration was held at Al-Munawarah pesantren (Islamic
boarding school), which is adjacent to Abdurrahman's residence in
Ciganjur, South Jakarta.

Unlike similar ceremonies to commemorate Independence Day
elsewhere, the proclamation text was read by a street child.

At Merdeka Palace, the proclamation text was read by People's
Consultative Assembly (MPR) Speaker Amien Rais. Amein was a
staunch critic of Gus Dur when the latter was president.

Harry Rusli, known for his eccentricity, sang a patriotic song
Garuda Pancasila (the nation's coat-of-arms) but with the lyrics
made sarcastic.

The first line of the song, Garuda Pancasila Aku lah
Pendukungmu.... (Garuda Pancasila I'm Your Supporter ...) was
changed to Garuda Pancasila Aku Lelah Mendukungmu... (Garuda
Pancasila I'm Tired of Supporting You ...)

In his speech, Abdurrahman called on the nation's leaders to
be just to the people.

In Bandung, many people watched as thousands of motorcycles
paraded along the city streets, namely Jl. Padjadjaran, Jl.
Wastukancana, Jl. Juanda. Jl. Diponegoro and Jl. Achmad Yani, in
a one-kilometer-long procession.

Meanwhile, Governor R. Nuriana, who led the flag-raising
ceremony at Gasibu Square on Jl. Diponegoro called on the people
to be alert to terrorist acts, which have rocked several large
cities, including Jakarta and Surabaya.

In Ambon, Maluku, the Independence Day celebration was marred
when Christian and Muslim senior high school students clashed,
seconds after the ceremony, led by Governor Saleh Latuconsina,
was closed.

The students threw plastic bottles of distilled water and
stones at each other.

No casualties were reported. The police arrested one person
who was suspected to have incited the fight. "He is not a student
and was not invited to attend the ceremony," a police officer
said.

At about 4:20 p.m. (local time) a Marine from the security
post at Rumah Tiga Beach was shot. "Second Corp. Ahmad Basuni was
shot in the neck but he survived," Ambon Navy base chief Lt. Col.
Pattorani said.

Celebrations were also held in the West Kalimantan capital of
Pontianak, where residents had recently experienced ethnic
clashes and a choking haze.

The Chinese Barongsai dance was one of the main attractions
here besides the various traditional performances and games held
at the city square.

"This shows that every one is enjoying the celebration and
that they are no longer fearful," said Setiawan Liem, a
provincial legislator.

In the restive town of Poso, Central Sulawesi, people of the
regency thronged the Sintuwu Maroso square to witness the
Independence Day ceremony, which was led by Regent Abdul Muin
Pusadan.

The Independence Day celebrations here had begun on Aug. 10
with various sports and cultural events held throughout the week,
Antara reported.

"Every one -- students, civil servants and servicemen --
joined the celebrations. This indicates that the situation here
is getting better," Din, a resident of Kayamanya village said.

Poso has been rocked, since May 23, 2000, with sectarian
conflicts, which have so far claimed more than 2,000 lives.

In the South Sumatra capital of Palembang, the Independence
Day commemoration was held at the city's landmark -- the Ampera
Bridge over the Musi River.

A traditional boat race called Lomba Perahu Bidar was held
here, while vendors enjoyed brisk business selling food and other
commodities on the bridge.

Although the boat race was scheduled to begin at 2 p.m.,
people had started gathering at the venue from 9 a.m.

In Mataram, as many as 5,377 orphans joined the Independence
Day celebration at Bumi Gora in City Hall, where they received Rp
1,500 each and will continue to receive the same amount per day
for the next six months.

The aid was reportedly given by the central government.

For some 4,000 residents of the city island of Batam, the
Independence Day holiday was a time to visit the neighboring city
state of Singapore where they spent their time at recreation
centers and shops, according to Antara.

In the Irian Jaya capital of Jayapura, a ceremony with a 17-
cannon salute was held at Mandala Stadium to commemorate the
nation's Independence Day.

The flag-raising ceremony led by Governor Jaap Solossa was
solemn and peaceful, despite worries of disruption by separatists
groups.

All shops and offices were closed, but recreation centers were
crowded with holidaymakers. (25/49/sur)