Pak Jamal, The 65-Year-Old Who Sold Satay During Jakarta Attacks Becomes Famous
Photo: Kompas
Bahrun Naim may be the man behind the several attacks that took place in central Jakarta yesterday, but it is Pak Jamal, the satay seller, who has gone viral all across social media networks in Indonesia.
The 65-year-old man who has been selling satay at Sabang, about 100 metres from where the series of explosions and gun attacks took place, was photographed doing business as usual, unfazed by the attacks that killed seven yesterday.
Pak Jamal who was spotted still burning coal on his pushcart and serving his customers when the incident occurred recounts the incident.
“I was selling satay with my wife Heni in front the SD Sabang School. We were shocked to hear the first explosion going off at 10.40am.
“At first I thought it was just the sound of thunder, but not long after, I heard it again and I saw everyone running for their lives, that’s when I knew it was the sound of bombs going off,” Pak Jamal told Kompas.com.
His 50-year-old wife then relayed how they both wanted to flee but were worried that their cart would have been stolen if they had done so.
“After the second explosion went off and we saw people running, we wanted to run away too. But after thinking about our business, we chose to stay,” Heni said.
The two have sold satay in Sabang since 1974, and many have praised Pak Jamal for his courage and determination as pictures of him went viral online.
Facebook user Akun Path Wimpy shared: “The satay booth just about 100 metre from terrorist attack area just 2 hours ago and this guy still grill his satay and people keep ordering the satay. This is Jakarta!!! You can't terror Jakarta people!!! Fear is not in our dictionary.”
Faza Meonk said: "Hidup Pak Jamal! (Long live Pak Jamal)"
"Pak Jamal is the real hero," Komar La Pulga wrote.
Photo: Detik
Pak Jamal who continues business as usual today, tells Detik.com, he is not afraid of terrorism and can only leave it to fate.
“Life is already difficult as it is pushing this cart at an old age. There’s a lot of competition here and going elsewhere will be more difficult.
“I’ll leave it to fate, and hope for the best,” he said.
And apparently, Pak Jamal is not the only one who is unmoved by the attacks. Other Indonesians have responded with defiance, and declared on Twitter, “We Are Not Afraid” — #KamiTidakTakut.
-mD
