Photo: Local boys do their best to reach the finish line in the sack race
MERAUKE – This year’s festivities for the 78th Independence Day have brought laughter and joy to Tageepe residents in Ngguti District, Merauke Regency, especially as PT Dongin Prabhawa (PT DP) held a series of games ahead of the day.
(Sub)village members, young and old, jumped into the fun Saturday (8/12). Like in many parts of Indonesia, the games included spoon-and-marble, balloon dance (another version of balloon waddle), and sack race.
Tagaepes may live deep in the heart of Papua, where there is little connection to the outside world, but you can’t deny their passion for Independence Day festivals. The atmosphere during the event was vibrant, the air thick with excitement.
That’s because it was the first time the community felt such a hype for the special day. “Feeling really happy today. It’s my first time [playing Independence Day games], and not only that, we got gifts! Thank you PT DP,” said one contestant, Daniel Mahuse.
Photo: One contestant carefully balances the marble on a spoon
According to company representative Habibi, this event is a way to help people in remote locations feel the liveliness of August 17 celebrations.
And like what Daniel mentioned, attractive rewards were also given in the form of school stationery to appreciate and give more energy to those participating.
PT DP is a Papuan-based palm oil plantation company under Tunas Sawa Erma Group that commits to practicing sustainable palm oil governance and puts out innovations to prioritize its responsibilities of tackling healthcare, educational, economic, environmental, and infrastructure issues. (PR)
