Tea bag lament

Tea bag lament

I write about the sad demise of the Sari Wangi billboard
situated at the point where Jl. Thamrin joins Jl. Sudirman. You
may ask how anyone can have feelings for an advertisement. I am
sure, however, that many of your readers will have fond memories
of the giant mechanical hand dipping the Sari Wangi tea-bag into
the world's largest cup.

While Jakarta has undergone dramatic change, the slow rhythmic
movement of the giant hand provided a sense of continuity to my
drive to work each morning. About two years ago I was shocked to
see that the hand had been badly burnt after its motor had caught
fire. It was, however, quickly renovated. Peace of mind was
restored in the same way that a freshly brewed cup of tea can
soothe tangled nerves.

In recent months the action of the hand had become sporadic,
perhaps anticipating its fate. What has become of the hand now?
Is it detached from the friendly tea-bag? My cup of sorrow
overflows and I appeal to PT Sari Wangi for information. I hope
other readers share my concern.

WILLIAM KEELING

Jakarta