Wahyu Darmawan and a Free-Portion of Sticky Rice on Indonesia Independence Day

Indonesia 76th Independence Day on August 17, 2021 in midst of pandemic has brought a lot of meaning to all the people of Indonesia. Independence means having freedom to be responsible for doing everything within the legal framework of NKRI (Negara Kesatuan Republic of Indonesia). The Covid-19 pandemic that still raging at this time has more or less affected freedom and the meaning of independence itself for the people of Indonesia.

But don't you realize that in midst of this moment of concern, today is an opportunity to do many things that can liberate your souls and minds, such as caring and sharing with others. It's simple! You care about one thing and then share your goodness for others even if it's the smallest, then your soul and mind will definitely satisfied to be free!

The story of Indonesian people fought for their independence was already well known to the world. However, one of the real events happening now regarding spirit of commemorating and filling independence itself in Indonesia you may rarely find in any media in the world.

We’ll going to share a story from one of Indonesian people, so you can feel directly the reflection of our Independence regarding caring and sharing with others in filling the spirit of Independence Day in midst of the current pandemic situation in Indonesia.

We have interviewed and summarized them in one article at “Life People” segment about Wahyu Darmawan (Owner of culinary business "Kedai Ketan Punel" Surabaya, East Java) who reflects on the meaning of independence itself today by caring and sharing with Health Workers, TNI-Polri (Army & Police) and volunteers who have been struggling to protect and treat all Indonesian people from the spread of Covid-19 virus.

The legendary Kedai Ketan Punel-Surabaya is an oasis of reflection on life of a typical Surabayan people in East Java who likes traditional food in form of various flavours of sticky rice combined with local tea and coffee drinks.
​
The conversation about building a dreams at café and do friendship while enjoy traditional food has been very meaningful moment to do. For this reason, Wahyu the cafe owner tries to maintain that community original culture while doing something useful and inspired on this Independence Day.
​

Wahyu gave a free-portion of the red-white flag-colored sticky rice and its accompanying drink for health workers, volunteers and members of army-police (TNI-Polri) who have worked selflessly for public health in face of the ferocity of Covid-19 virus.

This serving of free-sticky rice is a form of gratitude for such an effort and hard work that has been done by them so the sense of enthusiasm arises and felt cared for in doing their work.

The caring action taken by Wahyu, the cafe owner, is in contrast to what actually happened when the policy of PPKM-Emergency and PPKM Level 3-4 (Lockdown) were implemented to prevent the spread of the Covid-19 virus in East Java. Jalan Raya Darmo-Surabaya, in front of the cafe, was closed and all restaurants were prohibited from serving on dine-in. All serving must be on take away.

This caused the sales turnover of the sticky rice café was dropped drastically. At once only 10 packs were sold in a day during the PPKM-Emergency (lockdown) period, from which usually 400 packs could be sold in normal times.
​
Also read: PPKM-Emergency and Latest Policies Related to Indonesian Tourism
​

However, it’s not an obstacle for Wahyu to continue to share in this difficult time. He believes that by giving more, so that more fortune and blessings will flow for the prosperity together.

As time goes by and the spread of the corona virus starting to sag in East Java, currently orders from sticky rice have started return to normal. Even, Wahyu received purchase order from the Governor of East Java - Khofifah Indar Parawansa who felt that how so impactful the "Lockdown" policy in the midst of pandemic was for culinary entrepreneurs.

That thing was already happened long ago which are concern, togetherness and a sense of the same fate-suffering have always grown and embedded in the minds of the people since the era of seizing independence in the past until now in Indonesia.

Hopefully that what is shown and reflected here could be add to your insight as well to seeing the authenticity of character of the Indonesian which were plurality and always happy to shared.

Happy Independence Day! Merdeka!!!

Also read: The Legend and Popular Surabaya "Punel" Sticky Rice Among Global Travelers
​