"The Independence Day of Indonesia was officially proclaimed on 17th August, 1945.The Indonesian Independence Day is a very big event for the people of Indonesia. Preparations for this patriotic day start weeks ahead before the 17th of August. All high-rise office buildings around town are decorated with large banners and lighted designs. Fences around the presidential palace and many government offices are draped in red and white streamers. The malls are all decorated in red and white and hold Independence Day sales for the people. Lots of money is spend by the city administration to create a unique series of red and white lighted decorations.
Europeans arrived in Indonesia(this is not the start of the history, you can read more about the hindu's, etc) from the 16th century seeking to monopolize the sources of valuable nutmeg, cloves, and cubeb pepper in Maluku. By the early 20th century Dutch dominance extended to what was to become Indonesia's current boundaries. The Japanese invasion and subsequent occupation during WWII ended Dutch rule, and encouraged the previously suppressed Indonesian independence movement. Two days after the surrender of Japan in August 1945, nationalist leader, Sukarno, declared independence and was appointed president. The Netherlands tried to reestablish their rule, but a bitter armed and diplomatic struggle ended in December 1949, when in the face of international pressure, the Dutch formally recognized Indonesian independence."
Anyways, it is true, it is a big deal and they start celebrating weeks in advance. I am no expert, but I know there were flags ,decorations, parades, neighborhood walks, and all kinds of special events. Along with everyone wearing red and white! Most neighborhoods have parties, but ours didn't:( This morning we went to the Pancasila to watch a few of the activities/ceremony. I was expecting it to be so crowded, but it was like a ghost-town comparably, usually it is much busier around that area. I found out that they perform for officials and they don't really encourage Indonesians to come watch? So we were some of the few that were there.
All the people in uniform lined up at the Pancasila. The pancasila is a big field in the middle of the city, I heard it is how the dutch formed their towns, with this field in the center. They will use this when giving directions."Pancasila (pronounced [pantʃaˈsila]) is the official philosophical foundation of the Indonesian state. Pancasila consists of two Sanskrit words, "panca" meaning five, and "sila" meaning principles. It comprises five principles held to be inseparable and interrelated:
1. Belief in the one and only God, (in Indonesian, Ketuhanan Yang Maha Esa).
2. Just and civilized humanity, (in Indonesian, Kemanusiaan Yang Adil dan Beradab). 3. The unity of Indonesia, (in Indonesian, Persatuan Indonesia).
4. Democracy guided by the inner wisdom in the unanimity arising out of deliberations amongst representatives, and (in Indonesian, Kerakyatan Yang Dipimpin oleh Hikmat Kebijaksanaan, Dalam Permusyawaratan Perwakilan, dan)
5. Social justice for the all of the people of Indonesia (in Indonesian, Keadilan Sosial bagi seluruh Rakyat Indonesia)"
I found out is is illegal to be an aethiest in Indonesia! Indonesian government acknowledges 6 religions. The 6 religions are Islam, Catholic, Protestant, Hindu, Buddhist, and KongHuCu. Interesting tid-bit of information, I thought. And it is illegal to proselytize in Indonesia. But that is why we are free to work with tribal people, they do not have a recognized religion!
This was where all the officials were sitting to watch.
Some big guru giving a speech...?
Ok, this is funny. This is what happens to poor Eden a lot of times! Strangers are always wanting to pick her up and hold her, she doesn't like it, she generally panics and reaches out for me while they laugh and don't get the point. It is a bit much. They usually want a picture with her too, so this guy picked her up and asked his friend to take a picture...perfectly normal...to them, but there was so much going on, I don't think she panicked as much, she was so distracted. Although she still doesn't look too happy. I decided to take a picture also.
This is also funny because you may not get the picture from this picture, but we are like a walking freak show! There are all these kids lined up and they just laugh and stare as we walk by, but really, I hear we are like celebrities, you just don't feel that way! Usually, I feel too on the spot to take a picture of people staring at us, so this is the best I got.
"Sit here, Daddy"
Once again....
Shaking a police man's hand! This picture cracks me up:) She looks like a little politician on campaign!
Our "class" or group of "whities"
Cute
Happy Independence Day!
She came and pointed to the camera and then stood in front of me and said "cheese"...ohhh boy!
"Over dare"- her reply to many a question
And again, this girl came up and asked to have her picture with us. She was probably dared!This is totally random, but I also pasteurized our milk for the 1st time today! We order from a dairy farm here and they deliver it to our door, but I have not had to personally pasteurize it yet, but I learned! Very easy.
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