Tujuh belas means "the 17th". On August 17th, 1945 Indonesia declared its independence from the Dutch. Rather than a city or nation-wide celebration, each neighborhood holds its own event. We participated in ours and were able to meet many of our neighbors. There was eating, singing, dancing, door prizes, and competitions. Here is Jon "competing" in a pineapple carving contest. Fourteen other men (three of us foreigners) were chosen to compete. Suffice it to say, most of the people present had a good laugh at my expense. Oh, and I didn't win...
