Out & About: 'Abang-None' pageant not just a show of pretty faces

Tue, 07/15/2008 10:36 AM  |  City

An article printed in the City section of this newspaper on July 8, with the title "'Abang', 'None' just pretty faces", really intrigued me.

First of all, I would like to thank the writer for watching the finals of the Abang-None (Mister and Miss) Jakarta pageant for the past six years without fail. It is indeed an entertaining show, but I believe it is not something to laugh at.

I could not agree more with some of the statements in the article, but I would like to take you beyond what is visible to the public.

As a former None, I can truly say the Abang-None competition has given me many experiences that no amount of money could have bought.

I understand why people perceive Abang and None as mere accessories to important events. After all, the public only sees us standing at front doors, welcoming guests with bright smiles and guiding government officials to and from their seats.

Besides, the only part of the competition available to public viewing is the final night. The ensuing activities never attract the attention of the press. Thus, who can blame some people for underestimating the pageant?

Let me go beyond that. To be truthful, I have learned many lessons from this pageant.

First of all, I learned about Betawi culture and grew to appreciate it. I now admire traditional Betawi dances, dishes and outfits, all of which I had previously never taken any notice of.

Second, as I have the ability to communicate well in public, as well as a firm knowledge of Jakarta's history, I am able to promote the city when I am abroad. I am able to answer when foreigners ask me: "What is there to do in Jakarta?"

Jakarta is a capital city like no other. It offers a fantastic range of interests; from traditional markets to luxurious shopping malls; from public entertainment venues to exclusive nightclubs; from street food stalls to fine dining; from the captivating and historical Old Town to the Thousand Islands for those seeking a quick escapade away from the hustle and bustle of the city. It has something for everyone.

I wouldn't have known any of these things if it weren't for the Abang-None pageant. The way I see it, the pageant produces culturally aware young people who are highly appreciative of Betawi culture. As is plain to see in Jakarta, our cultures have begun to be buried beneath a tide of modernization.

I strongly disagree with those who say Abang and None are comparable to door-to-door grocery vendors or ondel-ondel.

What a degrading statement. Are we really so bad? I believe not.

Our significant contributions to the city have gone largely undocumented. We have conducted city tours in Old Town for students coming from various municipalities within Jakarta, we have offered free English classes to less fortunate students, we have helped people in need and we have come up with brilliant ideas to improve Jakarta.

However, Jakarta's problems, given the city's complexity, cannot be solved in a day. It will take time and effort, not just from the government of Jakarta, but also from its citizens.

I believe improvements can be made if we care enough to make positive changes. I do believe, and I have a strong desire to make Jakarta a better place to visit, and a better place to live.

Thank you, Abang-None Jakarta pageant for making me part of a young generation that cares.

-Audrey Progastama Petriny

We invite readers to contribute to this section about things happening in Greater Jakarta. Personal experiences, rants and protests are also welcome. Please send your story to city@thejakartapost.com. The article should be between 600 and 800 words.

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Veronika tobing (not verified) — Mon, 07/21/2008 - 3:48am

One more thing, RJ. Yes, central jakarta mayor Sylviana Murni, u mean? Good example. Let me crowd your list: Venna Melinda, Ivan Fadilla, Maudy Koesnadi, Ferdy Hassan, Alya Rohali, Adrian Maulana, Desy Ilsanti, Indra Bekti, Zumi Zola, Ussy Sulistyawati, Dude Herlino and dozens other tv stars, presenters and models. People are not stupid to find a clue why young people nowadays go for such an event. To improve jakarta? To preserve Betawi culture? Are those really their MAIN motivation? Find a last year's winner with the same surname like me.she's my niece and she wanted to be a None to support her career as a sinetron star and tv presenter.

Veronika tobing (not verified) — Mon, 07/21/2008 - 3:32am

RJ, yes, we both don't know where exactly our tax money go to.but if you read my comment carefully you'll notice I was talking based on MY PREFERENCE, not YOURS.If u prefer your money go for things like abang none then go ahead. I don't have to be the same like u, as well as people don't have to think the way I am. As u have your own reason, I do so. My husband works in "Stv" museum and the city govt only disbursed not even Rp 20 million (well, with bonus dozens of nasi bungkus) for celebrating the 100th anniversary of Hari Kebangkitan Nasional in that historical place.that's so ironic for me.the city govt always says it cares for cultural heritages,but the implementation is zero.but u go and ask the city how much it pays abang none designer-made kebayas. I read in Suara Pembaruan couple months ago Central Jakarta alone spent Rp 400 million this year for abang none.that's just one municipality. We still have 4 others,plus kepulauan seribu. Do your math.

Alexandra Dewi (not verified) — Sat, 07/19/2008 - 12:12pm

I want to comment the writer on this part:
"The ensuing activities never attract the attention of the PRESS..."
Please check your organizer before coming up with this statement, Audrey.
Some two or three years ago, when I was working in a magazine, I wanted to write a piece or two about behind the scene of Abang and None, what they did before the grand final night: what they have learnt, how was the friendship between them etc. I faced difficulties from the organizer and was rejected, saying I could disturb the process and the participants.
Again, during the final night my photographer was only allowed to get inside for few minutes to take pictures and told to go outside.
You guys should coordinate better if you want good coverage from the press.

R.J (not verified) — Sat, 07/19/2008 - 12:03am

Veronica please think, have u ever known for sure where your tax money goes to. Hmmm... i don't think so!! at least abang none pageant gives benefits to the finalists, who might become one of our future leaders. For example current mayor of central jakarta was a none back in the 80's. I believe this pageant can become one of the social responsibility agenda by the jakarta municipality gov't, where the Gov't provide opportunities for energetic & full of vision young individuals who are willing to contribute their tought & effort to improve the current condition of Jakarta. Lets just hope these Abang None can make the most of their experiences, learn as many things as they possibly can and in return contribute something positive to the society. This way every one benefits indirectly from this pageant.

Cheers......

Veronika tobing (not verified) — Wed, 07/16/2008 - 4:21pm

Unfortunately for some people, abang none pageant is useful only if it brings benefits at a community or broader level, not at an individual level like making its finalists aware on betawi culture. As a Jakartan who pays taxes from A to Z, I I of course prefer my money goes directly for museum rehabilitations rather than financing abang none pageant through APBD...

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