A Sail Without Banda
From July 24 to August 17 this year, the Sail Banda event brought nothing but anger and disappointment to the people of Banda Naira and the surrounding islands. They had spent millions to prepare for this event because the government had promised to transform Banda into a ‘tourism center’ during the entire event. In fact, Banda was the venue only for the opening festivities—the rest of the program was moved to Ambon. Tempo reporter Pramono was on site to witness the fiasco in Banda Naira, which resembled ‘a party without guests.’ The following is his report, only for Tempo English Edition.
August 18, 2010
It began with Buka Kampung—a traditional welcoming ceremony on Banda Naira. The cakelele dancers, with their dynamic and exuberant rhythmic steps, warmly welcomed guests from near and far who flocked into Banda that morning, last Wednesday, July 28.
About 500 guests congregated next to Hotel Maulana, which belongs to Des Alwi, a well-known figure in the land of Banda.
Maritime Affairs & Fisheries Minister Fadel Muhammad, the Governor of Mal
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