The Ingrained 17s Tradition At PT GEB PLTU Celukan Bawang Must Stop Due To The Pandemic

Flag ceremony at PT GEB (Source: Special)

JAKARTA - The COVID-19 pandemic has changed many things: culture, customs, and traditions. This condition is also experienced by PT General Energy Bali (GEB). At the celebration of the 76th Independence Day of the Republic of Indonesia, PT GEB had to put a stop to the tradition of holding competitions and lively activities that had been in the works for a long time.

General Affair PT GEB PLTU Celukan Bawang Indriati Tanu Tanto said this choice had to be taken for safety and security from the potential transmission of the corona virus, especially for employees at PLTU Celukan Bawang in Buleleng, Bali. "There are no events because we are afraid that there will be people from outside," said Indri, contacted by VOI, Tuesday, August 24.

Celebrating Indonesian Independence Day has been a tradition at PT GEB for a long time. The last time PT GEB held a celebration of Indonesian Independence Day was in 2019. One of the mandatory traditions held by PT GEB is the flag ceremony. At that time, the Technical Director of PT GEB, Agus Darmadi, who was the leader of the ceremony, stated that PT GEB's commitment was to contribute to the energy sector.

Agus stated that PT GEB and PLTU Celukan Bawang have the enthusiasm to continue to encourage the fulfillment of Java-Bali electricity. He is also open to every stakeholder support to jointly provide a brighter future for children. "We always expect contributions, both from the central and regional governments, to improve the quality of human resources so that they can run the power plant independently," said Agus, quoted from ERA.ID.

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Employees of PT GEB tug of war competition (Source: Special)

At that time, PT GEB Director of Operations Wang QingDong expressed his joy at being able to attend the 74th Independence Day commemoration ceremony. Wang hopes that the existence of the Celukan Bawang PLTU can increase cooperation and good relations between Indonesia and China.

"GEB and PLTU Celukan Bawang are part of our big family. Regardless of background, they can strengthen relations between China and Indonesia," said Wang QingDong through his translator.

After the commemoration ceremony on August 17, GEB and PLTU Celukan Bawang also released 74 doves as a sign of Indonesia's independence. The 74th Anniversary of Indonesia was also enlivened with various competitions, such as areca nut climbing, tug of war and also a health safari for three villages around the PLTU Celukan Bawang.

The moment of Indonesian Independence Day at PLTU Celukan Bawang is also a symbol. Local employees or foreign employees will unite to participate in various competitions. "Chayo...Chayoo... Let's get excited," exclaimed a number of foreign workers from China while encouraging their friends to take part in a sack race at the PLTU Celukan Bawang yard, Buleleng, Bali, Saturday, August 17, 2019.

"Various competitions and also health safaris are part of the August 17 commemoration, which is attended by all employees, foreign workers, fishermen and local residents," said General Affair of PT GEB PLTU Celukan Bawang Indriati Tanu Tanto, quoted by ERA.ID.

Before the competition started, his party held a ceremony for the seconds of Indonesia's independence together. In addition to various competitions that enlivened August 17, GEB also held a free health safari for three villages around the PLTU Celukan Bawang.

Both PLTU employees and the public can get free medical treatment. Indri said that this free medical service is a form of concern for the Celukan Bawang PLTU to the community and its workers.

"Hopefully, residents will understand that electricity companies like PLTU really care about the surrounding community," added Indri.