Entering the month of August, you will probably notice the sudden splash of red and white displayed everywhere: banners, runners, to flags and buntings strewn across and above some streets of Jakarta. Especially the main roads like Sudirman, on which the government allocates quite the budget to decorate each year. This is because on the 17th of August, Indonesia is going to celebrate its 70th year of independence from the Dutch.
For this occasion, Indonesians have a series of activities traditionally done during the celebration. We will give you some ideas on how to join in the fun and get to know one of the most exciting celebrations in Indonesia. It is definitely a great chance to experience one of the country’s most celebrated traditions.
1. Locate a Panjat Pinang competition
Although not quite as popular as it used to, Panjat Pinang remains to be the most iconic symbol of Hari Kemerdekaan or Independence Day. It involves several pinang (areca) poles, greased and erected in the middle of a field. As many as 10 greased men will try to out-climb each other to get to the top of the pole, where various prizes are hung and up for grabs by the participants. This tradition dates back to the colonization period when the Dutch used to hold similar competition for the inlander or the locals as entertainment.
2. Participate in the ’17 Agustus’ traditional games
This includes Balap Karung or sack race, Makan Kerupuk or kerupuk eating contest, marble and spoon race, tug of war, cooking competition (usually for guys), and other fun competitions. Adults and kids of all ages have been participating in these games for a long time, and it truly symbolizes the Indonesian communal spirit.
3. Catch the flag raising ceremony and the Independence Day parade
It can be around the neighborhood, local schools, or on TV, as the flag raising ceremony in the Presidential Palace will be broadcast live on national channels. This is also the time when the Indonesian government will do some kind of ‘show of force’ by parading the military and the government officials. Some more off beat flag raising ceremonies also sometimes take place, like in the bottom of the Indonesian ocean, or on top of the mountain. Which takes us to..
4. Conquer one of the many Indonesian mountains
To show their patriotism, a lot of Indonesian outdoor aficionados and adventurers like to spend their Independence Day by conquering one of the many Indonesian natural greatness. From Rinjani in Lombok, Semeru in East Java, to Kerinci in Sumatra, these great mountains will see more than a flock of climbers that aspire to raise the red and white flag on top of it.
5. Share the love
Another tradition for communities or the neighborhood is to do a bakti sosial or charity work to nearby unprivileged kids or families, or maybe a family outing with your co-workers and their family. This is the time where usually people tend to get creative on creating an event that can include everyone in the community. Another way of doing so is to get involved in a kerja bakti or communal work with your neighbors, and usually arranged by the local community leaders. A great way to get to know the locals!
5. Independence Day Brunch
For the less adventurous, more convenient approach to the holiday can be done by spending time with your loved ones in one of the many Independence Day deals around town; The Kempinski has an exciting “5 Islands in 5 Weeks”, Grand Hyatt Jakarta celebrates with favorite dishes from around Indonesia, Hotel Borobudur brings a Mini Tumpeng offer, a fascinating Independence Day Brunch at the Dharmawangsa Jakarta and at Pullman Jakarta, Red and White Celebration at Gran Mahakam, and “Kuliner Nusantara’” feast at Le Meridien.
from Whats New Jakarta http://ift.tt/1DIFhrK
via IFTTT
No comments:
Post a Comment