'Unity in Diversity' Campaign to Cool Down Political, Religious Tensions
Jakarta. The "We Are Indonesia" campaign on Sunday morning (04/12), which turned the weekly car-free day in Central Jakarta into a mass event promoting the country's motto of "unity in diversity," is expected to cool down the recent political and religious tensions after a series of rallies against Jakarta Governor Basuki "Ahok" Tjahaja Purnama.
The campaign also took to social media with the hashtag #KitaIndonesia.
The half-day event, held just two days after Friday's mass prayer-cum-protest, was strongly backed by the pro-government National Democratic Party (NasDem), Golkar Party and United Development Party (PPP). However, it took the shape of a cultural event rather than a political campaign.
All participants stressed the importance of recognizing national unity amid diverse political, ethnic and religious affiliations.
The event was scheduled to start at 8 a.m., but many came to Jalan Jend. Sudirman and Jalan M.H. Thamrin at dawn to get the best spots for watching the planned cultural performances on 10 open-air stages raised for the event.
In the beginning, doves of peace were set free by high-profile politicians, as traditional Javanese dances and a Chinese lion dance performance unfolded on the streets.
Herman, a 41-year old resident of Jember in East Java, said he and his friends made a long bus trip to Jakarta only to participate in the event and enjoy the free concerts of famous Indonesian musicians, such as Astrid Sartiasari and the cult rock band Slank..
"I came to Jakarta to celebrate Bhineka Tunggal Ika ['Unity in Diversity'] with other people. This is a great event. Indonesians must unite," he said.
Feri Rustandi Wijaya, 41, from Cimahi in West Java, brought along his family.
"I really support this event; it strengthens our unity," he said.
Among the politicians in attendance were NasDem chairman Surya Paloh, Golkar chairman Setya Novanto, PPP chairman Djan Faridz and People's Representative Council Deputy Speaker Oesman Sapta Odang, who this time restrained themselves from political campaigning.
"The main enemy of Indonesia is poverty and ignorance," Surya said, adding that Indonesians would be better off if they spent their energy on fighting poverty instead of political opponents.
A Golkar spokeswoman, actress Nurul Arifin, called on fellow politicians to remember their moral obligation to uphold the notion of unity in diversity. According to her, the "We Are Indonesia" event will help to ease the tensions that have recently emerged due to politicization of religious and ethnic issues.
Martin Manurung of the NasDem's youth wing said the event was not meant as a show of power for those who rallied against Ahok on Friday.
"This event shows that Indonesia loves peace, we want to convey this message," he added.
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