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.