To memorize the merits of Indonesian figures in defending Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia (NKRI), hundreds of people joining in Forum Betawi Rempug (FBR) held a flower sowing and mass praying in Karet Bivak cemetery, Central Jakarta, Tuesday (11/10).
At the event, they suggested the govt. to promote the late two Betawi figures, H Abdul Manaf bin Abdul Djabar and H Darip bin H Kadni to be national heroes.
The event was themed "Haul dan Tabligh Akbar Memperingati Hari Pahlawan". Hundreds of FBR mass had come to the cemetery since morning.
The event was attended by Jakarta governor, Fauzi Bowo and City Secretary, Muhayat.
FBR chairman, KH Lutfi Hakim el-Muhir, stated that the event was held for Betawi people to give appreciation to their heroes’ merit.
“We can learn many things from them. They defended this country with their blood,” he said.
They wanted the late H Abdul Manaf bin Abdul Djabar and the late H Darip bin H Kadni become national heroes. Abdul Manaf gave much support to MH Thamrin in Perkoempoelan Kaoem Betawi (Betawinese Association). "Manaf once hid Gus Dur’s father KH Wahid Hasyim from the Netherlands,” he told beritajakarta.com.
City Governor, Fauzi Bowo stated that he himself has tried to promote them to be national heroes. “But because of few documentation of them and their history, it was hard to process the request,” he said.
Rahmi, Ismail Marzuki’s daughter said that she hoped this kind of event would be held annually. “I am so grateful and appreciate the event so much. I hope the event can be held annually,” Rahmi said.
So far there have been several Betawinese figures that become national heroes like MH Thamrin, Ismail Marzuki and KH Noer Ali.
Meanwhile there was H Entong Gendut from Condet who was also as famous as H Abdul Manaf and H Darip.