Students, public take to streets for Aceh donations
Students, public take to streets for Aceh donations
Damar Harsanto, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta
The devastating earthquake and tsunami that hit Aceh and North
Sumatra have moved the hearts of Jakartans from all walks of
life, particularly students, who fanned out onto the capital's
streets to collect donations from passing motorists.
His face glistening, Ari, a student at Tri Dharma Widya
economics institute in Menteng, Central Jakarta, held a cardboard
box in his hand, collecting money from passersby.
"This is how we can help to ease the sorrow of survivors," he
said.
The collected funds would be transferred to the bank account
of a private television station, which would then channel the
money to Aceh.
"Yesterday, we collected Rp 1.3 million (US$139.79)," said
Ari, only one among the hundreds of young adults who have risen
in a spirit of solidarity to raise money for victims.
The Jakarta Post observed on Thursday scores of volunteer
students in their academy or university jackets standing on major
thoroughfares, including Jl. Matraman Raya and Jl. Dewi Sartika
in East Jakarta, and in Central Jakarta, the Pramuka T-junction,
Jl. Salemba Raya, Jl. Kramat Raya and Jl. Kebon Sirih.
"The fund raising does not disrupt our studies, as we collect
donations after classes," said Rahmana Apriliana, a student at
Publisistik Thalib theology institute in Kramat.
Rahmana, who had chosen a spot at the Tugu Tani monument in
Central Jakarta, said his group would channel the money through
the Medical Emergency Rescue Committee (Mer-C), which is
deploying volunteer medical teams to Aceh and North Sumatra.
Meanwhile, Trisakti University students have pitched a huge
tent in a lane on Jl. S. Parman, which runs past their campus.
While their intentions may be for a good cause, the tent is
causing traffic congestion on the busy road.
Aside from students, many young adults donning headbands
reading Peduli Aceh (Care for Aceh) could be seen collecting
donations along Jl. Gunung Sahari in Central Jakarta, the Cawang
intersection in East Jakarta and the Cipulir T-junction and on
Jl. Ciledug Raya in South Jakarta.
In addition, several political parties have opened their
offices to receive donations.
However, not all people appreciated the seemingly good deed.
Ita, who owns a food stall in Ciledug, said she did not trust
any roadside fund raising, as she could not make sure that her
money reached its destination.
"That's why I donated Rp 500,000 through a bank account
endorsed by a private TV station, because I could check
immediately whether my money had been received in the running
text," she said.
Folber Sialagan, who works at a private company in West
Jakarta, shared Ita's view.
"Any groups who conduct fund raising activities on the streets
must clearly identify themselves by wearing uniforms or other
attire that indicate their affiliation," he said.