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Home > Indonesian > Extension Course > Prescribed text > Extract 3 > Extract 3

• Scene 1
• Scene 2

Extract 3: Scene 1 - Tidur di emperan

Content	Issues
Boys bed down and Gempol advises Andri about best way to stay warm when sleeping outdoors.	Street kids Values & traditions
The thug appears on the scene, threatens the boys and steals their possessions. The boys react differently to the situation.	Values & traditions
Scene moves to the warung. Interaction between the warung owner and the boys who work washing dishes. Gempol reminds Andri of his desire to be "free like a bird". They put the chilli in the rain. Morality of lying is raised.	Working conditions Urbanisation Values & traditions
Scene changes again to the street. Kids discuss parking job, working conditions and the boss. The boys allow the street kid a place to sleep if he can get them work.	Working conditions Poverty & wealth Conflict & relationships

 

Extract 3: Scene 2 - Di tempat parkir

Content	Issues
The train crossing the bridge emphasises the urban setting and the camera moves to the riverbank where the boss discusses rules of employment - he slaps their faces and insists they can only work if they remain stoic when abused. Each boy reacts differently, but both eventually get work.	Urbanisation Poverty & wealth Working conditions
While working, Gempol and Andri see the thug who stole their money. Andri implicates him by calling out. The boss becomes angry when Andri blows the cover on "the big boss". A chase scene ensues until the boys come face to face with the robber. They throw dirt in his eyes and, in the scuffle, they pick up a wallet he has stolen.	Street kids Conflict & relationships Living & working conditions

Analysis

Scene 1 is a turning point for the boys when they lose their possessions and money, and each boy reacts differently to the situation. Although Gempol is apologetic and blames himself, he is willing to look for work immediately to cope with the situation. On the other hand, Andri is frustrated and angry and can't see a way out.

The boys find work washing dishes in a warung and then as parking attendants. There is an irony when Gempol reminds Andri of his desire to "be free like a bird" and they are faced with the reality of having no money and having to fend for themselves. These scenes highlight the lives of street kids and their deprivation and vulnerability. The network of relationships that operate for children in their situation is also highlighted.

While working Andri sees the thug, who stole their possessions, trying to break into a car. Unwittingly he breaks a code of silence by alerting everyone to his actions. A chase ensues. The boys come face to face with the thug, throw dirt in his eyes, and escape with a wallet containing money and an identity card.

Questions

1. How does Gempol display his traditional knowledge and skills in this scene? (Tidur di Emperan p 31)
   
   
2. Comment on the relationship of the warung owner with her customers and with the boys working for her.
   
   
3. What is the significance of Gempol's comment "Kangen sama Mercedes, ya? Enakan jadi orang kaya, kan? Dari pada jadi burung bebas seperti kita?"
   
   
4. According to the boss, what are the criteria for a good worker?

Task

Imagine that you are Andri. Write a diary entry about your experiences sleeping out and working in Surabaya. Express your feelings and compare these experiences with your life in Jakarta.