Scooter enthusiasts raise funds for Aceh

JAKARTA: In an effort to show solidarity and raise funds for the Acehnese tsunami victims, around 300 owners of vintage scooters from various clubs across the capital gathered on Saturday to display their scooters in front of Hotel Indonesia on Jl. Thamrin, Central Jakarta.

"We have gathered here to move people's hearts, especially scooter fanatics, across the country, and to participate in helping the Acehnese in any way we can," said Meri Lubis from the Freedom Scooter Mania (FSM) club, one of the 12 clubs that participated in the event.

Hundreds of people passing by on the street stopped to watch the parade, resulting in traffic congestion along Jl. Sudirman and Jl. Thamrin.

This, however, was availed of by committee members to solicit donations from the public and association members, as participants sang songs, read poems and made speeches.

"After we have collected enough here, we will move on to Monas, where we'll make some more speeches and read some more poems," Meri said.

Meri did not say how much they expected to collect but stressed that all they received would be distributed directly to the tsunami victims.--JP