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.