TUJUHBELASAN TOGETHER:

On August 19, 2025, Kampung Kongsi in Cisarua was busier than usual as residents and refugees gathered to celebrate Independence Day. A simple field in the community was filled with people, with the red and white flag standing proudly to mark the start of the event. Children ran around laughing while adults prepared for games and greeted each other, creating a warm and friendly atmosphere for a special celebration.

The Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS) partnered with the Hope Learning Center (HLC) to hold the event, named “Tujuhbelasan Together.” HLC has long been a safe place for refugee children in Cisarua, providing them with an opportunity to learn, play, and grow despite the challenges they face in a foreign country. For those who had to leave their homes, HLC became a space of hope where they could still experience education and look toward the future with positivity.

The day featured various traditional games, beginning with a lively crackers-eating competition where children enthusiastically tried to bite the crackers swaying in the wind. Laughter erupted during the sack race, where participants hopped in burlap sacks, falling and getting back up while giggling. The tug-of-war was particularly thrilling, pitting local teams against refugee teams, with spectators cheering loudly. Other fun activities included a quiz competition, plastic cup blowing, and games that brought everyone together in joy.

Amira, a participant from HLC, expressed her happiness about the event, saying how much fun she had and appreciating the opportunity to connect with the local community. Her words highlighted how such a simple celebration could foster friendships between locals and refugees.

As the day progressed, speeches were given. Novita Mulyasari, the local community leader, proudly acknowledged the joy of seeing both residents and refugees come together to celebrate. Shaima from HLC thanked JRS and the community for creating a space of fellowship for refugees and their children. Zainuddin from JRS emphasized the importance of this collaboration in building cross-cultural solidarity, in line with JRS’s mission to support marginalized individuals.

Following the speeches, the celebration featured a variety of performances. The local choir sang a religious song, while refugee children performed a traditional Afghan song. A surprise came when Harun Hussein, a refugee, confidently imitated Michael Jackson’s dance moves, delighting the audience and encouraging everyone to join in the fun.

Prizes were distributed to the winners of the games, with warm applause for each recipient. Novita awarded prizes for the sack and krupuk-eating races, while HLC representatives honored winners of tug-of-war and other contests. An emotional highlight occurred when Mr. Topik Hidayat received a beautiful painting symbolizing unity from the children of HLC. Zainuddin also received a unique painting combining the JRS and HLC logos, symbolizing shared hopes and collaboration between the communities.

As the event drew to a close, everyone joined together to sing and dance. The joyful song “Gemu Fa Mi Re” invited locals and refugees to hold hands and move together, creating a moment of unity that transcended borders, languages, and identities.

A health worker from Kampung Kongsi shared joy in meeting refugees and expressed hope that such events could happen again, emphasizing how such interactions can deepen understanding and appreciation among people.

The day celebrated freedom not just through a flag but through open hearts. Local residents and refugees demonstrated that unity is not just a beautiful idea but a living reality in their shared joy and laughter. “Tujuhbelasan Together” illustrated that Indonesia’s independence holds deep meaning for everyone, including refugees who find hope in this land. This celebration showcased that freedom is universal, a shared experience of joy and respect that transcends borders, cultures, and languages, reinforcing a true understanding of independence—living in peace, valuing one another, and sharing happiness without limits.

Contributor: Sch. Alfonsus Ignatius Franky Njoto, S.J.