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)