'The poor need food, not entertainment'

'The poor need food, not entertainment'

The celebration of Jakarta's 476th anniversary should be fun and
entertaining. An organizer said that they expected the
celebration to lure people to take a break from all the troubles
and strife brought on by the economic crisis and political
turmoil over the past year. People gave mixed reactions, and
those who were skeptical said it would be better if the city
spent the money on food for the poor instead of holding such a
big event. Here are some of the responses they shared with The
Jakarta Post.

Wawan Kurniawan, 28, is a teacher at a private senior high
school in South Jakarta. He lives in Rawamangun, East Jakarta,
with his wife:

I think the city's anniversary celebration lacks any real
meaning.

The city administration holds it for residents, but to tell
the truth, not all residents enjoy it. It's just nonsense, if I
may say so.

Most of the low-income residents are busy trying to make a
living, and entertainment or fun is far from their priorities. I
guess many don't have enough money to have fun.

I wonder how low-income people can enjoy watching the
traditional Betawi play, lenong, if they are starving.

Personally, I don't think I'll go to performances or other
events because I need money for the bus. I'd rather watch them on
TV.

I can't understand what Governor Sutiyoso really wants in this
case. It will be far better for the city to provide food at low
prices for the poor. I'm sure people who have a hard life would
be really happy if the city did something like this.

I think the celebrations should really involve the ordinary
people. For example, the government should have made Monas park
free, so that the people can have fun every day.

But the programs often don't touch the needs of the residents.

JakArt, for instance, doesn't really meet the people's wishes.
It's not a down-to-earth celebration. It's also ceremonial and a
waste of money.

Eki, 29, is a courier with a private company in Central
Jakarta. He lives in Srengseng, West Jakarta, with his wife and
son:

I think there hasn't been anything special about the city's
anniversary celebrations so far. From one year to the next, the
celebrations have always been plain.

I'm part of the lower class, and we really would like to have
some real entertainment that can take us out of our lives.

However, the city can't seem to provide cheap and fun
entertainment for the people. I see many people not wanting to go
to the celebrations, because they don't want to spend money on
entertainment and transportation.

We would be more enthusiastic if only the venues were closer
and free. For instance, when the anniversary was held at Monas a
few years ago, I went.

Now, most of the celebrations are in Kemayoran, in Central
Jakarta. Why would I want to go there? It's far and we might be
mugged.

This year, I'm not interested at all in the festivities, even
though we need some fun.

Gogon, 20, works at a private company in Central Jakarta. He
lives on Jl. Gelora, Central Jakarta:

I welcome the city's anniversary celebrations. It will be a
good opportunity for me to watch theater performances.

I like theater, because I was in a theater group during high
school, and the festivities will remind me of it.

Besides, it will give me a break from the depressing work load
every day.

In some ways, it will give soften the unfriendly image of the
capital.

But I don't believe it will be easy to change the city's
image. Not many people will be affected so easily since they
don't appreciate art. It will take years to see the city in a
different light.

-- Leo Wahyudi S.