Who benefits from rallies?

Not a single day goes past without a demonstration in Jakarta. The city saw its biggest demonstrations during the lead up to the forced resignation of Soeharto, and before the reform of the New Order began in 1998, but the rallies have stayed with us. Rallying has become part of Jakartans’ lifestyle.

More recently, rallies — particularly anti-corruption rallies — have been frequent. Most people have become used to seeing demonstrations. But yelling and carrying banners may have become an old-fashioned way of demonstrating. Nowadays, demonstration organizers are often more creative, presenting art performances to attract support and to educate people about what they are struggling for.

Certain organizations sometimes invite celebrities to participate in their rallies to attract more people to the cause. A rally is far more likely to draw a crowd if a beautiful artist or singers appears, and such events can turn into fan gatherings.

The only annoying thing about demonstrations is the traffic jams they can cause. Especially since the favorite place for rallies is the Hotel Indonesia traffic circle, right in the middle of town.

Vehicles move slowly past demonstrations, as drivers and passengers check out what’s going on.  
Besides those who benefit from demonstrations because their voices and aspirations are revealed, there are also the entrepreneurs who take advantage of such situations.

First are street vendors. Well, they must be happy if there are rallies involving a thousand or a million people in their neighborhood. Rallies mean business, and extra sales.

From the time a plan for a demonstration is announced up until D-day, street vendors stand by at the meeting point for a the rally. This was seen clearly at the recent demonstration to commemorate the International Anti-Corruption Day, in Jakarta.  

Before the rally began, dozens of food and beverage street vendors had already arrived. I think this was quite smart. People taking part in demonstrations, be they demonstrators, journalists covering the event, or security personnel, will need to drink and eat at some stage.   

Other street vendors who sell hats, scarves and umbrellas also didn’t want to miss the event. There would have to be some demonstrators who forgot to bring a hat, and when they realized they needed something to protect them from the heat, well, the vendors would be there to sell one to them.

As the demonstrators gathered and began to move slowly down Jl. MH Thamrin to the National Monument (Monas), to in front of the Presidential Palace (the second favorite site for rallies in Jakarta), the vendors at the Hotel Indoesia traffic circle packed up their wares and went with them, at the back of the procession. While pushing their carts, they could also serve customers.  

Here was a show of true entrepreneurs, who didn’t want to miss a business opportunity.  

And who else benefitted from the occasion? I think the owners of Kopaja and Metromini (public minibuses). Demonstration organizers often rent these the vehicle to carry demonstrators to a location. Metromini and Kopaja drivers can relax for a change, not having to drive around looking for fares.  

Another group are ojek (motorcycle taxi) drivers. If a demonstration runs until after hours, ojek drivers can get more customers than usual. Employees working around rally venues will find the fastest way to get home or to a train station is by motorbike. And if ojek drivers demand higher fares it will be no problem.

Well, I think Jakarta people have made friends with rallies. Demonstrations are part of democracy. For a group of people, these events can mobilize economic wheels on a small scale, but are also very helpful for street vendors who rely on customers.  

So, I think the government should not be too worried about rallies in Jakarta and perhaps across the country — as long as there is no anarchy. Rallies have colored life in Indonesia.

Let’s look at the positive aspects of demonstrations. When demonstrations finish, look out for the smiling faces of street vendors whose goods sold out. See the ojek drivers who shuttle passengers back and forth, and see how the local economy benefits — it’s good for the government and the country, right?