An Indonesian Thanksgiving

Idul Fitri has the same motivation with its tradition of traveling home to feast with family.  Japan’s Obon celebration honors one’s ancestors in a similar way.

But Thanksgiving is a uniquely American celebration, one not without controversy, and also an occasion to appreciate life and its blessings.

The fanciful tale of grateful English Pilgrims sitting down for a blissful meal with their Indian neighbors in Massachusetts in 1621 has long been discounted as a one-sided account.  Ask descendants of the Native Americans present, and they’ll tell you a story of mourning and bitterness over military extermination and stolen lands.

The fourth Thursday of each November was officially adopted as a national US holiday in 1941.  Thanksgiving has now become a day of overeating turkey and pumpkin pie, watching sports on television, and reading about Christmas sales in the newspaper.

But in the pure spirit of the American holiday, I asked friends and colleagues to tell me what they are most thankful for in their busy, BlackBerry-dominated lives in Indonesia.  Here are just some of their responses:

"I am thankful for the diverse cultural heritage that my country offers." - Aimee, Lecturer and Writer.

“I’m thankful to just wake up alive everyday.” – Ron, Retired Business Executive

“Household help! That’s number one, no doubt about it!  And friendly, open, creative and raunchy (as in sexual) people!” - Julia, Writer and Author

“I'm thankful that the Indonesian people are so accepting of foreigners as tourists and neighbors.” – Jay, Business Consultant

“For the Island of the Gods!  It has the best quality of life, is peaceful, nice, and down-to-earth with interesting people.” – Elaine, Bali Property Manager

“I’m thankful for Indonesian girls, a unique mix of beauty from all around the world created by all the people who have come here for thousands of years.”  - Leo, Graphic Designer
    
“I am thankful for my sarcastic bitchiness.” – Dara, Secretary

“I’m always thankful that I have another day to live, I’m in good health, and have a lot of good friends who are nice to me.” - Wimar, TV Host

“What I’m most thankful for is my health.  Oops, I mean second to my husband.” – Prisca, Hotel Executive

“I am thankful for all amazingly friendly and welcoming people I meet every day.” – Yanik, Financial Officer

“That I’m not a Muslim living in Aceh or an award-winning film director without a film degree.” – Alice, International TV producer

And now, in between bites of ayam kalkun and mashed potatoes, I sincerely offer my own messages of personal appreciation. I am most thankful:

- To all the restroom workers who are conscientious about cleanliness.

-For the nice bodyboarding waves in Bali’s Jimbaran Bay.

-To whomever created the kebaya, the traditional body-hugging Indonesian dress.

-For newsroom colleagues who are serious about getting better and wanting to someday work abroad.

-For the husband-and-wife singing team of Sammy and Dorothy Isidro who have led the “Naturals” in the Hotel Mulia’s Cascade Lounge for nine years.

-For air conditioning.  Air conditioning.  Air conditioning.

-When people stop me to say they enjoy my writing rather than “I watch you everyday on TV!”  Especially because I’m not on everyday.

-For finding decent tonkatsu (Japanese pork cutlet) at Katsusei in the Grand Indonesia Shopping Town.

-For the altered and now more-positive international perception of the United States since former Jakarta resident “Barry” Obama moved into the White House.

-For a day without a mosquito bite.

-For the “Premiere” reclining seats and “Velvet” futon chairs at movie theaters.  Yeah, Jakarta has spoiled me.  But I do try to go on weekdays when it’s half-price at Rp 50,000.

-To the police officers who actually try to control traffic.

-For the level-headed, overseas-educated, next-generation Muslim leaders such as newly married Yenny Wahid.

-For the mystical view of Borobudur Temple from the dining room of the Amanjiwo resort.

-For the best-value taxi fares I’ve ever paid.

-For Ranch Market, Kemchicks and Sogo Food Hall.

-Whenever I hear the “Happy Birthday” song.  No matter what age you are, it should be a law to have it sung to you on your special day.   

-For a mother in Hawaii who is healthy and mobile at 87 and is eager to pay her son a second Jakarta visit.

-To the toll booth workers who still manage to smile despite the choking exhaust fumes, never-ending lineup of vehicles and stifling heat.  

-For the big voice from petite dangdut singer Kristina.

-For the ongoing opportunity to do the work I love in a place that I’ve grown to love.  Thanksgiving in Indonesia?  Totally.

Hawaii native Dalton Tanonaka is the co-anchor of Metro TV’s "Indonesia Now" program, seen on Saturday mornings at 7 a.m. and Sundays at 1 a.m.  He can be reached at dalton@metrotvnews.com.

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