The show must go on amid crisis

Novan Iman Santosa, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta

Many city residents are looking forward to Independence Day with high spirits despite the ongoing crisis as they feel that celebrating Aug. 17 has become a tradition.

Interviewed separately on Tuesday, the residents, who are from the lower to middle-income bracket, told The Jakarta Post that such a celebration was important not only to commemorate the struggle for independence but also to develop more of a sense of belonging amid individualistic urban life.

"We still manage to celebrate Independence Day even with a tight budget. We donate not only money but also other things such as cakes or decorations," said Sekar Anwar, a resident at Kebon Kacang low-cost apartments in Central Jakarta.

"It is not the money that matters but the opportunity to get together with our neighbors."

She also said there was a minimum contribution of Rp 10,000 (US$1.11) but those who were more affluent usually gave more.

Meanwhile, head of a community unit (RW) in Cikoko sub- district just off Jl. M.T. Haryono in South Jakarta, Muhammad Zaini Harris, said contributions were voluntary according to residents' financial status.

A local resident, Muhay, said that a few years ago, the community unit set a minimum contribution.

"Usually the minimum contribution is Rp 5,000 or Rp 10,000. But since the economic crisis, the contribution is only expected from residents who are better off financially," he said.

Budi, who is always actively involved in preparing the celebrations in his neighborhood, said his community unit in Cibubur, East Jakarta, set a minimum contribution of Rp 5,000.

Independence Day celebrations usually include sports and entertainment activities as well as small-scale carnivals.

Neighborhoods all over the city also organizes sports competitions such as badminton, soccer, table tennis and volleyball.

Community-based musical groups of all musical genre also take this opportunity to show off their skill.

Organizing celebrations during times of economic hardship may seem useless but many residents say the celebrations still serve its function.

According to Zaini, such celebrations were a perfect occasion for young people to channel their creativity and ideas as well as the chance for them to learn teamwork.

"Organizing such celebrations is more constructive for the young instead of being involved in street brawls. Not only can they learn how to work together but also learn more about their surroundings," he said.

"We celebrate Independence Day from our heart every year. It has become a sort of tradition to do so," he added.

Sekar said people should not only look at the external show of such celebrations. "The celebration is an expression of our excitement in gaining our own freedom," she said.

"Besides, it is the perfect time to get to know our neighbors which is impossible during our routine daily lives."