Epilogue ASIAN GAMES 2018

Epilogue

ASIAN GAMES 2018

Author : Syifaa Azzahra

Editor : Yunindya Astria

Proofreader : Rizki Nur Cholifah

Once I got back to Jakarta and shared my experiences with my fellow Volunteers in Jakarta, I learned that the volunteer system in Jakarta and Palembang was very different. The same division could even have different duties. One thing that really stood out to me was the rules that we had to obey. In Palembang, Volunteers were not allowed to have their phones with them at all times. We could if no body found out, but if we did get caught, we would surely get scolded and could even get our Accreditatin Card (AD) taken away. And so that included not allowing us to make updates on social media (this is why I got none). In Jakarta, they had the freedom to have their phones, but of course under rational circumstances. In Palembang, PAs were not even allowed to sit down, we had to stick to our VIP all the time. Though I never got scolded for sitting down, a lot of my friends did. One time, one of my friend’s AD card was taken just because she had long nails. And some National Olympic Committee-Relations Volunteer also had their ADs taken just because they were accompanying their athletes in the golf car. Although all these people had their ADs back later, but the regulations that were made for us were just irrational.

I’m not saying that the volunteers in Jakarta did not have their rules and regulations, but they were more rational and flexible. And so that eased their working process and they could even have made better memories. One thing about Jakarta though. I heard that the PAs and VPAs were really arrogant, they saw themselves as being superior and they did not want to be called volunteers. Well of course not everyone was like that, but rumor has it. While Palembang, The PAs were especially very humble and kind.

And if you ask me, whether all the sacrifices I made for Palembang was worth it, I would say, it was more than worth it. It was a priceless experience. I got to do things that I probably would not be able to do anywhere else. I assisted the best VIP, working for them was a happiness and it wasn’t awkward as I had imagined. I met friends, especially the PA friends who were genuine, humble, loyal. Although Palembang is a really quiet place. If you go out at 9 P.M. no body is outside and all the doors are already closed. but the culinaires never dissapoints my taste buds. But the most important thing about Palembang is that it’s not so much of a great city without the warmth of the people inhabitting the place.

I’d like to thank my parents for letting your daughter go on an adventure, for giving me the freedom to take chances and to believe in myself.

I would like to thank my aunt and uncle for taking me to enjoy Palembang foods and let me see the Ampera Bridge for the first time even though they were tired from work.

I want to thank Mr. Lubis for giving me and Alsya a comfortable place to stay.

I’d like to thank Alsya for being a good friend for everything. Nindy for being a sister to me even ‘til now. Tri, Riffie, Cindy, Abyan and Mila for being my very first friends I had even before the Game started.

I’d like to thank Mr. And Mrs. Seymour for accepting me as your assistant and treating me very well even though I had many weaknesses and made many mistakes in my assistance.  You even gave me a permission for Eidl Adha prayer. From the deepest part of me I’d like to say that I am very honoured and I’ll never forget the kindness you gave me.

I’d like to thank INASGOC for successfully having the 2018 Asian Games in 2 cities. For letting me a part of the International Relations and Protocol Department.

Thank you for everyone in the Bowling Venue, every time I listen to an Asian Games Official Theme song, I feel like it takes me back to when I stood there and watched the athletes played the game, and everyone was doing their thing and encompassing me. I miss that.

Last but not least, Thank you to all the Protocol Assistant friends that I can’t mention one by one, but you made my memories a thousand times more beautiful and unique.