Indonesians Independence Day

Yesterday August 17th, we celebrated 63^rd Indonesians Independence Day. Most of Indonesian including myself took part in the Independence Day Celebrations with full of enthusiasm.

We had some fun games sponsored by Welfare Manager, Boutique and also donation from staff member. We also invited our Indonesian neighbors who live in the main island at Provo to join the celebration.

At day time we geared up for fun games. Started with shack race, eating sausage contests, volley ball and “dangdut’ football (football combine with dance and music), and the most significant game ‘Panjat Pinang’ (Climbing a palm trunk).

Climb a palm trunk? Well, where we can have this stuff in this island? Didn’t want to miss the fun, we use pipe instead. The pipe was well greased with a mixture of clay and oil. At the top are hung various prizes like phone cards, shirts, cigarette etc.  Whoever makes it to the top wins the prize. Hence everybody climbing each other and struggling to reach the goal. Even though it is slippery and muddy, a good time is had by all, especially the crowd watching the gaiety.

Shack Race

Eating sausage contest

Panjat Pinang

Panjat -Pinang

Giving out prizes

"Merdeka" & Cheers

At night we were having fun at our staff Bar, “Barong”. One of the eldest read Indonesian Declaration of Independence Text.

Original Indonesian Declaration of Independence Text

English Translation:

PROCLAMATION

We, the Indonesian people, hereby declare the independence of Indonesia.

Matters concerning the transfer of power, etc., will be carried out in a conscientious manner and as speedily as possible.

Jakarta, 17th day of 8th month, year 05 (note: Japanese calendar year)

In the name of the nation of Indonesia

(Soekarno – Hatta)

Afterward we proceed with cutting ‘Nasi Tumpeng”. Guitar and drum were played and we sung our Indonesian National theme ‘Indonesia Raya” and followed by our National Heroic Song.  Everybody was having a good time and so much fun. We were dancing and singing with joy with a hope “May the spirit of our hero keep alive forever!”

Merdeka! Merdeka! Merdeka!

(‘Merdeka’ means independence, it became a battle-cry for those demanding independence from the colonial.)