As the world celebrates Eid Al-Fitr or Lebaran, colorful fireworks light up the skies, marking the end of the month-long Ramadan fasting. The loud sounds and beautiful displays of firecrackers bring joy and excitement to families and communities, especially children. However, as much as firecrackers bring smiles and laughter, they also pose hazards and risks to human health and safety. In this article, we will discuss both the positive and negative aspects of firecrackers during Lebaran, and explore ways to minimize the dangers associated with their use.
As the religious holiday of Idul Fitri approaches in Indonesia, fireworks and firecrackers become more prevalent. However, this tradition can have a dangerous side that is often overlooked. The risk of mishandling fireworks and firecrackers can lead to injury or even death.
In March of this year, just before the start of Ramadan, a deadly firecracker explosion in Magelang regency in Central Java killed one person and injured three others. Several weeks later, there were more incidents in Jepara and Kebumen, the latter resulting in the death of a 17-year-old boy on April 12. Central Java Governor Ganjar Pranowo issued a warning, asking the public to stop playing with firecrackers ahead of Idul Fitri, especially during the last 10 days of Ramadan.
Despite the risks, fireworks and firecrackers remain an ingrained part of Indonesian culture and are often used as a way to celebrate big holidays such as Ramadan and New Year’s Eve. Many families have their own traditions of gathering outside their homes to set off fireworks. Sixteen-year-old Haura from Bandung recalled how her family always uses firecrackers to celebrate but never during the evenings leading up to Idul Fitri due to the takbiran and shalawatan around the house.
Firecracker vendors, mostly found in outdoor markets and along the streets during Ramadan or in December, spoke of the longevity of fireworks in Indonesian culture. Firecracker seller Aji, who has been in the business since 2003 and doubles his return of investment during festive seasons, says that parents usually buy firecrackers for their kids, and those who are afraid of big blasts can opt for sparklers.
However, using fireworks and firecrackers can be extremely dangerous, with injuries being quite common. Khairunnisa Dwita Lestari, a 23-year-old resident of Indonesia, recalls her brother getting injured while playing with firecrackers. In 2008, her 6-year-old brother lit a firecracker and got too close to the lit fuse, resulting in his clothes catching fire. Though he was administered ointment for the burns, he was traumatized and avoided firecrackers in the future.
Similarly, Muhammad Fadhil, now 24 years old from Banjarmasin, Kalimantan, also recalls an embarrassing incident in which he got burnt while playing with fireworks. In fourth grade, he went to another prayer room to avoid Ramadan evening prayers and threw firecrackers into a river with his friends. The fireworks exploded when Fadhil moved his face closer to the river to check if they were lit. Though he was not severely injured, the incident left its mark on him.
Despite the potential danger, many children still enjoy playing with firecrackers, with some becoming fearless through repeated exposure. Many fear sparklers more, with some children noting that the sparks can land on their hands. Fireworks and firecrackers remain an important part of Indonesian culture and are likely to continue to be used to celebrate big religious and social holidays.
