Jakarta – As part of Indonesia's Independence Day celebration on Saturday, state-owned train operator PT Kereta Api Indonesia (KAI) encouraged passengers riding long-distance trains to sing the national anthem.
Through the train's speaker, the conductor asked passengers to stand up and sing along to Indonesia Raya. KAI also handed out red-and-white flags, free drinks and souvenirs.
"This is a way for KAI to celebrate and remember [Indonesia's] 74th Independence Day while on the train," said KAI vice president of public relations Edy Kuswoyo.
This was the first time KAI had asked commuters to sing the national anthem on Independence Day, according to Ixfan Hendriwintok, KAI Regional Operation 7 spokesman for Madiun, East Java, as reported by kompas.com.
"After the announcement, train crew and passengers simultaneously stood up and sang the national anthem, bringing an emotional atmosphere," Ixfan said.
KAI also offered special discounts on Saturday, reducing the price of a commuter line ticket to Rp 1 (less than 1 US cents) from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (tru)