Students in the dark on pluralism
Students in the dark on pluralism
Leony Aurora, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta
Dozens of students have just stepped down from a stage decorated
with a big backdrop emblazoned with the word "pluralism". But
when asked what the word means, many of the students could not
come up with a clear definition.
"What is pluralism?" Ani, a junior high school student from
Theater Aura tossed back The Jakarta Post's question on Tuesday.
Ridwan, a student at SMAN 7 Bekasi state high school,
answered, "Well, I don't really know what pluralism is."
"Pluralism is the diversity of SARA," said Nur Hairul, one of
Ridwan's classmates at the school's theater club Cikal, referring
to the Indonesian acronym used for ethnic groups, religions and
race. "The differences between people often makes them fight,"
explained Nur.
Such was the approach many students adopted in their
performances in the preliminary round of the Collaboration
Festival at the East Jakarta Youth Arena in Bidara Cina.
The competition is part of RAKK-Fest 2004, a series of events
held from August to October by several non-governmental
organizations (NGOs) to promote diversity.
The causes of the staged disputes in the 10-minute shows were
trivial -- a participant getting knocked over in a sack race or
punks glaring at each other -- each was based on actual incidents
that have sparked serious riots in Indonesia.
The bloody sectarian conflict in Maluku that began in January
1999 was allegedly triggered by a personal quarrel between a
minibus driver and a passenger from opposing religions. The riots
in Ketapang, West Jakarta, in late 1998, started off as a brawl
between local residents and civilian guards, mostly of Ambonese
descent.
But on stage, the riots only lasted until somebody brought the
two parties together. "Then, they make peace," said Nur.
In her group's show, the residents ended the dispute and
celebrated their differences by dancing to a hit from Bandung-
based band Project Pop called Dangdut is the music of my country.
Sri Indiyastuti of Yappika (Civil Society Alliance for
Democracy), one of the organizers, said the aim of the festival
was to start a discussion on pluralism among participants.
"At least they had to learn the message they wanted to
convey," she said.
Other highlights of the three-month festival, which is in its
third year, include a children's games festival, free medication,
a diversity mural presentation, storytelling and puppet shows as
well as an a cappella competition for university students.
"There'll be a film festival in October and a discussion on
Sept. 30," said Indiyastuti. "We want to attract middle- and
upper-class people to these events."
The finale of the RAKK-Fest 2004 will be held on Sept. 25 and
Sept. 26 in the youth arena, with a carnival, traditional food
bazaar and the finals of the Collaboration Festival and a
cappella competitions.
From 16 troupes that performed in the Collaboration Festival's
preliminary round, five have been promoted to the finals.
Each of the finalists will receive Rp 700,000 (US$76) as a
development grant. The reward is part of Rp 10 million in cash
prizes to be won.