The show must go on amid crisis

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."