Sunday, 25 June 2006 @ 5:54pm. FGD #2 completed. Today we had 6 participants. Though one had to leave early, it was still a really good discussion. I like the focus group discussion method because it allows for participants to give opinions in a social context. The participants get to consider their opinions in light of other opinions. They can build on or change their comments after hearing what others say. The group context allows for support and dissent in a comfortable environment as well. Like any research method, there are cons, of course, but overall, I think I am getting some good information.
Yesterday, I heard that there might be a huge gathering of NU (Muslim organization) supporters at the Monumen Nasional (National Monument) or Monas for short. I went there and saw lots of families relaxing and having fun, but I don’t know if they were from NU or not. There were no other organized activities beyond a few soccer games and a rollerblading club. Perhaps I either went at the wrong time or NU met in a different part of the large park complex. My favorite part of the walk was seeing tons of children flying inexpensive, little kites. I had to watch out, though, because the children were everywhere and not all of them could manage the kites well. Too cute! 
I snapped a few pictures while I was walking around. Here is one of Monas itself:
The obelisk/torch is said to be around 137 meters tall and the top flames are covered in 35 kilograms of gold. Construction began in 1962, I think, by President Sukarno, but it wasn’t finished until 1975 under President Suharto. There is a museum on the bottom floor and a viewing center at the top, but I haven’t visited yet.
The following is a picture of a decorated horse-drawn carriage, of which there are many to choose from, that families can ride in around the Monas complex:
Here are kids playing soccer near Monas:
On my walk back, I saw this statue across from Monas:
Finally, in the spirit of acronyms, which Indonesians love to use, here are few others that might be of interest:
BPS - Biro Pusat Statistik (Central Bureau of Statistics)
DPR - Dewan Perwakilan Rakyat (Legislative Assembly/House of Representatives)
KKN - (1) Korupsi, Kolusi, dan Nepotisme (corruption, collusion, and nepotism), and it can mean (2) Students’ mandatory “volunteer” work in the countryside during their university years
KTP - Kartu Tanda Penduduk (Indonesian identity card)
S-1 / S-2 / S-3 - Stratum 1, 2, and 3 (undergraduate, master’s, and doctorate programs)
SRSS - “sudah rusak sebelum selesai” (”already broken before it’s finished”), e.g., construction project
UUD - Undang-Undang Dasar (government laws), but it is jokingly used as Ujung-Ujungnya Duit (”in the end, it’s money that matters”)
Hmm.. some very intersting developments lately, eh?.. I thought the US would be even more dynamic in its true sense than Jakarta.. but.. who knows
Uh wait.. I think I have a tip for you about the photocopies: you might want the copies to be legalised first by a notary before you hand them in, this way, you’d reduce the chance of being asked to show the original documents.
Did you also notice that Jakarta is celebrating its birthday (22 June)? Reportedly there were some spectacular events going on in Monas Park and most interesting of all.. there was the attraction of the greatest dancing ‘air mancur.’ Hmm just in case you missed the news here’s a link (including video): http://www.metrotvnews.com/berita.asp?id=19092 The ‘air mancur’ also operates from 6pm-9pm each day on weekends and on public holidays, or at least according to this govt site it does: http://www.beritajakarta.com/V_Ind/Potret_Detail.asp?PHTEVNT_ID=90 And btw the celebration isn’t over yet… have you checked out the 2006 ‘Jakarta Fair’? This function building in Kemayoran area opens (as it has been traditionally) for a month during this time.. And yes, here’s another link: http://www.jakartafair.biz/
Comment by pengamat — June 26, 2006 @ 8:46 am