What’s new in your neighborhood?

In the neighborhood where I live, there is a quite different atmosphere this year than last year. Last year, there weren’t any celebrations, not even too many flags flew in front of the houses.

This year is vastly different. August was greeted with great enthusiasm. Since the beginning of August there have been parades (decorated bicycles and “anabul”) and children’s competitions, as well as blood donation campaign. The following weekend is filled with games/sports. And of course, the peak is on the 17th with an even more lively competition and closed with slippery pole climbing (“panjat pinang”) for security officers with attractive prizes. And in collaboration with certain health facilities, on the 17th there will also be several health checks and actions.

What makes this year different from last year?

Apart from the increase in the number of residents, a significant difference is this: within last year, an official RT/RW unit (a neighborhood regulation in Indonesia) has been formed in this residential area. This housing cluster is united in one RW (Rukun Warga) with 7 RTs (Rukun Tetangga) and is complete with RT heads and RW head. They are young people, great and enthusiastic people. Residents enthusiastically welcomed their program.

It takes leadership to make things happen. New leadership will make something new happen. Praise the Lord. Alhamdulillah. Be united, be kind.