Basuki: Lulung is a Good Friend and Partner
Reported by Folmer | Translated by Rini Elvira
There was an interesting scene seen in the 2014 Lebaran Betawi which held at Silang Timur Monas, Central Jakarta, Sunday (9/14), when Jakarta Vice Governor Basuki T Purnama and Jakarta Parliament (DPRD) Deputy Chairman Abraham ‘Haji Lulung’ Lunggana discussed happily while laughing.
The honorable DPRD Deputy Chairman Haji Lulung, my good friend, always been a partner
As known, Basuki and Lulung are often involved in heat arguments. But when giving speech in the closure of Lebaran Betawi event, Basuki called Lulung as his best friend.
“The honorable DPRD Deputy Chairman Haji Lulung, my good friend, always been a partner,” said Basuki that instantly responded with laughs and claps from the visitors.
City to Hold 2014 Lebaran Betawi Festival on Saturday and SundayIn that occasion, Basuki also asked support from DPRD for Jakarta Provincial Government’s superior programs to make them run optimally. One of those programs is the Jakarta Smart Card (KJP).
“Many children in the age of 16-18 years old cannot afford to go to school. Therefore, I will fix KJP with scholarship. Mr. Haji Lulung very supports for the 2015 City Budget (APBD) to be ratified, so KJP be better,” stated Basuki.
Besides KJP, Basuki continued, Jakarta Provincial Government will also improve TransJakarta bus payment system through the implementation of e-Money as payment tool.
“With e-Money, the money goes straight to the bank,” he told.
Basuki arrived in Lebaran Betawi event with wife Veronica Tan at around 9.30 AM, replacing Jakarta Governor Joko Widodo who could not come. As soon as the couple arrived, they were welcomed by palang pintu ceremony, a traditional Betawi culture to welcome guests. And then, Indonesia’s national anthem Indonesia Raya was played and continued with the performance of Selamat Datang (Welcome) Dance.
During these performances, thousands of visitors enthusiastically watched it. Lebaran Betawi itself is a routine event held by Jakarta Tourism and Culture Department in cooperation with Betawi Deliberation Council (Bamus) since seven years ago.
The theme of Lebaran Betawi this year is Kembali ke Fitri, Lenggang Jakarta (Return to Holy, Sway Jakarta). The theme is meant for all Jakartans to establish good relationship and maintain harmony. Besides Basuki and Lulung, this event is also attended by five mayors and one regent, City Secretary Saefullah, Betawi Bamus caretakers, Regional Leaders Communication Forum (Forkopimda), and work unit (SKPD) heads.
