Those who want to do something for their community but have not found a way could try a community work event, a tradition known by local residents as kerja bakti.
This long-cherished tradition not only encourages people to get to know each other, but is also an effective way to solve the city's problems, Jakarta Governor Fauzi Bowo said Saturday.
"Community work is a way to solve many of the city's problems. By clearing trash and planting trees in the neighborhood, communities could help prevent floods," Fauzi said on the sidelines of a community work event in the Taman Ismail Marzuki (TIM) cultural center in Cikini, Central Jakarta.
"We show our appreciation toward our community by doing small thing such as cleaning and beautifying our neighborhood. If everyone in the city does this, the city will be in much better condition," he said.
Fauzi Bowo himself seemed to really enjoy the community work. He painted a long wooden chair for 15 minutes, longer than originally scheduled by the organizers.
The event, tagged "Let's TIM Up!", was organized by Citi Indonesia to observe the arts center's 41st anniversary on Nov. 10 as well as Citi's Global Community Day.
The event involved 1,000 volunteers, including Citi employees and TIM workers, who engaged in painting, sweeping, tree-planting and other park beautification work.
"Indonesia has a rich cultural heritage. However, most are neglected," Citi's country officer for Indonesia, Shariq Mukhtar, said in a statement.
"We hope that through these activities, we can contribute to the enlivening of one of the few arts centers in Jakarta and in turn, help encourage other people to appreciate Indonesian arts and culture," Mukhtar said.
Teguh Widodo, the head of the Taman Ismail Marzuki center said that he appreciated the volunteers' work.
"They are giving us a beautiful birthday present. I hope by reviving the beauty of this center, more visitors will come," he said.
The event was also a family activity for Ria, a Citi employee, who brought along her children, Fayi and Kiara, to join the cause.
Vera, another Citi employee was glad that she could spent her day painting with her friends. (mrs)
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