Afternoon Talks: Random Thoughts Episode #1

WHAT

THE

HECK

AM

I

DOING

HERE?

Girl with Hair Ribbon, c.1965 Posters by Roy Lichtenstein · Girl with Hair Ribbon, c.1965. Art Print - 12 x 12 in. Art Print 1 12 x 12 in. Roy Lichtenstein

dear friends, hold me.

9 July 2014: Not Merely INKY Little Finger

As we all supposed to know, last Wednesday was a totally historical day for us, Indonesian. We got the chance to directly choose our future leader. Our so called president (and the vice, of course). The one we elected to preside over our country, our nation, the chief executive or the head of state of  our beloved Republic of Indonesia. So to speak, Indonesia is a majestic archipelago; thousands of islands lie within, hundreds of distinct native ethnicity and languages. Indonesia has gone through some riotous time; when natural disasters, separatism, corruption, chaos, tumultuous era, in which our beloved reformation heroes have struggled to bring down the authoritarian regime, -- and intervals regarded as a distinct evolutionary or developmental phase in our economic growth.

To a stated extent, common partake oneness has been established, determined by Bahasa Indonesia as our national language, ethnic diversity, religious pluralism within major Muslim population. Recalling back to our country's own motto from our great great founding fathers, "Bhinneka Tunggal Ika" (Unity in Diversity), endow the diversity that molds us. Molds Indonesia. The question is, is it still remaining? Poverty remains widespread, scarcely, scattered. Despite its rapid growing economy, the conspicuous disparity between the haves and the have-nots spreads pervasively. This is the reason why I insisted to take part in once in a half decade party. The Presidential Election. It is our rights as a citizen to give a vote for our nation's future (although seemingly quite apathetic before..)

LOL, wait a sec, I've never been so chatty about my country so far. Well, that's a point. Here's the thing. I landed in BSD safe and sound on Sunday morning, July 6th, 2014 (the day when the govt closed the A5 form registration). Bringing a (it's a major mistake!) C6 form to Pak RETE house, I asked my friend to join me, to confirm to the Pak RETE if we could give our votes. Pak RETE, came in, with some bugger on his eyes. He said it's OK to bring the form and used our local identity card (though the govt said it was an E-- electronic ID card, shame on you!) and pointed TPS 29 (the place we gave our vote). I asked him back, to reassure that we could REALLY vote, "do we need to bring A5 form, sir?" He answered me confidently, "Nope, just bring this form and your copied ID, go directly to TPS 29). Hearing that pleasing answer, I stepped out his house merrily.

Wednesday, July 9th, 2014

around 09.45, Sect. I.2, BSD City, Southern Tangerang.

I walked to TPS 29 which was located just 100 m from my boarding house. those bratty pakde(s) welcomed us. They asked for our A5 forms. I said I didn't have it, but Pak RETE told me to go to this TPS. One of the pakde confronted me and laughed at me when I he asked me the name of that Pak RETE. OH HOLY SHOO. I went to another TPS. Same thing happened. Another TPS. Deja vu. Great. One of the Pakde in TPS 31 suggested that I had to go to the nearest district council to register my A5 form. I got various doubtful info from some of my friends living outta town.

10.15, Rawabuntu District Council. 3 km away from my b'house.

The doors were closed. So did the windows. Some motorcycles were parked outside. I noticed one of them are Pak RETE's. My friend seemed unsure that they were open. I urged myself to the entry door. HAHAHA. "Don't you dare to give a shit. I know they are inside. Let's go." I said to my friend. They were indeed inside. Pak RETE too. I avowed solemnly. Seeking any good news from him. But you know what's his answer? "Sorry, I forgot to tell you that I had just been woken up. I didn't fully aware of what form you brought." WHAT THE HEY HO. IT'S TOO LATE. I went back home frustrated.

12.00 Sect. I.2, BSD City, Southern Tangerang.

I went back to TPS 31. I saw people queued. They were arguing about the citizen's rights to give the vote. The Pakde(s) from TPS refused to budge and insisted that we couldn't give the vote. It's only for the local IDs. Shortly, I turned back and rode my motorcycle, trying to find another TPS.

12.30 Sect XIV-Victor Pamulang.

Not EVEN SINGLE TPS accepted my ID card.

12.45 Sect. XII, around St. John Catholic School

a great amount of people queued in front of a TPS. we approached that TPS, hoping they could accept our IDs. 30 mins waiting...........................................................................................................

We spoke to one of the Pakde, told him the long way story about that day, and... That Pakde asked us to give our IDs and all we had to do was wait. GOOD HEAVENS! Finally, moderate and open minded people, I thought.

01.27 Sect. XII, around St. John Catholic School

I HAVE VOTED!

and this.. this isn't merely inky little finger. it's a worth-struggle and accountable little finger. big and immense responsibility behind these little fingers.