WHO said it's only political events that invite suspense? In this country even marriages can inspire the mass movements and veritable wars we read about in the papers.
You don't believe it? Look at the case of Hidayat, 26, and his adored lady friend, Kiky Rizqy Amelia, 19, in Makassar. This couple was ready and raring to wed at Hotel Hasanuddin Transit II, Thursday two weeks ago. But their plans fell through when a modern-day battle of the Pandava and Kauravas took place between Kiky's mother and father. The father was not prepared to bless proceedings.
The war drum began to sound two days before the scheduled wedding. All of a sudden Fatahuddin Usman bin Se're, 47, Kiky's father, placed an advertisement valued at Rp4 million in the local newspaper. It read: “We apologize to all invitees because the wedding must be cancelled."
Taty Kurniati Kadi, Kiky's mother and the person responsible for inviting everyone, was dumbfounded by the move. She hurriedly made her way to the office of the newspaper. So, the following day the mother's advertisement was printed. It was the same size but with a different message. It announced: “The wedding goes on, at the same time and place."
This challenging ad caused loss of sleep for the father. This would mean that the guests would come to the wedding! He designed a cunning new plan-mob action. Early in the morning before the wedding, he sent tens of people to Hotel Hasanuddin. This father of four ordered them to tear down all the wedding decorations. The wedding throne was also removed. On the front door a banner with the following writing was displayed, “Wedding Reception Cancelled".
This surprise attack proved effective. Tens of guests arrived in all their finery yet decided to return home. The wedding was officially cancelled.
Fatahuddin had been determined to put a spanner in the works because he had never been approached to discuss the marriage for Kiky, his youngest daughter. “I'm her father. Kiky is still my own flesh and blood," he said angrily.
On the other hand, Taty felt that approval from her husband was not necessary. This is because for eight years they have been separated even though an official divorce has not been forthcoming. The divorce process is dragging on because there has been no agreement on splitting up belongings. Till today, the Maros Religious Court has not been able to reach a decision.
This wild turn of events greatly embarrassed Kiky's mother. “This is a disaster for us," she said. One day later, she once again placed an advertisement in the local media. A counterattack? No. It was an explanation and an apology to about 3,000 invitees who had been confused by the whole affair.
Victims of the Flag
INDONESIA has now known independence for 57 years. No longer is there a Dutch or Japanese army at large in the country. But the children of the nation are still overcome when flying the proud Red-and-White flag, some even faint. Indeed, this is what happened in the Pangkep regency of South Sulawesi on August 17 this year when during the independence day ceremony led by Regent Gaffar Patappe the Red-and-White never made it up the mast.
At first the ceremony progressed nicely. With steady steps, three members of the flag-flying team advanced towards the flagpole. After tying the knot in the rope, they made ready to unfurl the flag. Indonesia Raya was sung as they proceeded.
Doni and Iqbal, who were looking after the flag, carried out their tasks flawlessly. But Yudhistira, who had the job of raising the flag, failed dismally. Maybe it was because he pulled too firmly on the rope, but anyhow the flag broke free and the end of the rope was flung to the top of the pole. “Waaah..." about 500 people murmured as they watched.
Finally the Red-and-White could only be displayed between the two bearers since there was no way it could be hoisted. This turn of events overwhelmed Yudhistira with guilt. “All of a sudden things went black," said the high school student. Then, crash! He had fainted and fell to the ground. The flag-bearing team immediately comforted him, as the melodic Indonesia Raya was sung.
Once the national anthem had finished, all members of the flag team returned to their spots, except for Doni and Iqbal. They continued to stand as they held the flag. Fortunately these two students did not faint. Those who followed suit and passed out were Ira, Narti and Nurhidayah, also members of the flag team. Maybe because of the heat, or perhaps because they could not deal with the “sin" of their team's failure weighing over them.
Once the ceremony dispersed, Doni and Iqbal still held the flag. They were only free to go when the ladder belonging to the State Electricity Company arrived. Using the ladder the rope was retrieved from the top of the pole and the flag was slowly hoisted. But this time there was no proud anthem to accompany the event.
Agung Rulianto, Muannas (Makassar)
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