Damar Harsanto, Jakarta – Beaming, Yudhi, in his 30s, a scavenger from Kemayoran, Central Jakarta, emerged from Governor Sutiyoso's official residence on Thursday holding a white envelope with a Rp 50,000 (some US$5) banknote inside it.
"It's really a surprise. I thought I would only get a free meal this year. What a happy Idul Fitri," said Yudhi, who was clad in a worn-out T-shirt and shorts. Another visitor to the Governor's "open house" to celebrate Idul Fitri with residents, Erik, 26, of Tanjung Priok, North Jakarta, could not believe that he and his three family members had each received an envelope.
Stepping out of the Governor's residence on Jl. Taman Suropati, Central Jakarta, he was eager to get more lebaran gifts. "Do you know any other officials who are holding Idul Fitri open houses today? Tell us, please. We want to go there. Hopefully, they will give us more angpau," he said, referring to the tradition of giving money in envelopes.
Security guards spotted some people who had already received their envelopes attempting to line up again. But not all came just for the money and a free meal. Some poor residents came to the event just to meet the governor.
"We live in Cikini in Central Jakarta. We just want to meet Pak Governor in person. I read in the newspapers that Pak Sutiyoso was holding an open house today. That's why we came here, to enjoy a silaturahmi with him," said Rudi, alluding to the tradition of paying visits to neighbors.
More than 300 poor residents from across the city visited Sutiyoso's official residence on Thursday. "I am happy that they are willing to come to see me. I want them to feel that I am also close to them. It's touching the way they shook my hand. It's rather different from the way other distinguished guests greet me," Sutiyoso told reporters during the gathering.
He said that some residents had also passed on letters to him. "I will read them later. Maybe those letters contain complaints or messages of support for my administration... I promise to hold gatherings like this more often with the poor in the near future," he said.
The governor's household staff had prepared meals for about 1,600 guests. However, Sutiyoso's aides seemed unprepared for the poor, who mixed with other guests, including businesspeople, party leaders, religious figures, actors, diplomats and officials. "We didn't think there would be so many poor people coming," acknowledged Joko, one of Sutiyoso's aides.
Last year, only about 20 'representatives' of the poor, drafted in by the administration, visited Sutiyoso's home for the open-house event. Sutiyoso, who is serving his second term, has gained notoriety for his tough policies against the poor, such as riverbank squatters and street hawkers.
Also present at the gathering were former minister of foreign affairs Ali Alatas, president of Indian Bajaj Auto Limited for South East Asia, Klaus Biskup, jazz musician Ireng Maulana, well-known singer Melky Guslow, actor Anwar Fuadi and businessman Erick Tohir.
After the one-day open house, Sutiyoso departed for his hometown of Semarang, Central Java, on Friday to celebrate Idul Fitri with friends and relatives there.