The New Year was celebrated across Indonesia with high hopes that the nation would ride out 2011 free of disasters
The New Year was celebrated across Indonesia with high hopes that the nation would ride out 2011 free of disasters.
As in most cities in Indonesia, the people of Makassar celebrated New Year’s Eve with a noisy, disorganized and dangerous display of fireworks.
Thousands came from across South Sulawesi to Losari Beach, which traditionally hosts the New Year’s Eve celebrations.
Others chose to camp at the newly opened Makassar flyover, which was closed off to cars. No security disturbances were reported during the celebrations.
Those fleeing the crowds retreated to restaurants and food stalls, while young residents listened to deafeningly loud music.
Euphoria gripped every corner of the city, where residents expressed hope that 2011 would be better. Some said they prayed for the nation to be free of disasters and that it would prosper, providing better security and welfare.
“Our nation endured a string of disasters last year. We hope this year will be better so we can prosper and live peacefully,” Abdul Kadir said just minutes after midnight.
Christians in Manado marked the passage into the New Year at church services.
“We gave thanks for having passed 2010 and we are set for 2011,” churchgoer Lineke said.
She added that she prayed for a peaceful 2011 free of the natural disasters that plagued Indonesia.
“My whole family joined the prayers. Later we joined a firework,” she said.
North Sulawesi Governor SH Sarundajang appealed to people to celebrate in peace and safety.
“The governor has passed his message to the people that he hopes North Sulawesi will always be blessed,” gubernatorial aide Arnold Poli said.
In Batam, thousands of motorists squeezed their way into the city center at Dataran Engku Putri. The area was so congested some motorcyclists had to park on the curb and walk.
“The police are incompetent at regulating traffic,” Firman said.
He criticized the police for not implementing measures to prevent people like him from causing traffic congestion.
Five minutes before midnight, people turned off their vehicles to allow a moment of silence before fireworks lit the sky.
We hope this year will be better so we can prosper and live peacefully.
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