Independence Day Takes A Sappy Turn As Magelang Locals Compete To Hold Back Tears When Looking At Exes’ Photos

Independence Day in Magelang was full of tears

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Indonesia celebrated the 75th anniversary of its independence on Monday, 17th August 2020. COVID-19 has made this year’s Indonesian independence day festivities a lot quieter than usual, but that doesn’t mean no creative competitions took place.

To match the gloomy vibe of 2020, a Magelang village decided to hold a uniquely sappy competition for its brokenhearted locals. Contestants had to prove their emotional endurance by looking at photos of their exes.

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Competing to be the last tearless man standing

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Image credit: @anam_chenel

Revisiting memories spent with a former lover is tough enough for most people, so imagine the challenge of having to compete to hold back tears while looking at a photo of your ex. Instagram user Khoirul Anam, who goes by the username @anam_chenel, uploaded photos of a sappy, yet hilarious, contest that took place in Baturan Village, Magelang, Central Java. 

Image credit: @anam_chenel

Unlike most games that are typically played during Independence Day celebrations – cracker eating contests and rice sack races, just to name a few – the one that took place in Magelang was comically named Lomba Menatap Foto Mantan Terlama. It can be loosely translated to “Exes’ Photo Staring Contest.” 

As reported by Kompas, only four male contestants participated, news of the small-scale contest has gone viral. Following the positive response of fellow villagers and netizens, there were plans for another contest for women, but after a call for entrants, everyone turned out to be too busy to take part in it.

Image credit: @anam_chenel

The good news is that the momentary heartache was worth it for the male winner, who was rewarded with a shiny trophy. 

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Netizens shared their two cents

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If there’s any word that could describe the event perfectly, it’s the Indonesian slang term bucin. “Bucin” is short for “budak cinta,” which literally means “a slave for love”. 

The word is commonly used to poke fun at people who would do just about anything for their crush or partner. Netizens didn’t miss their chance to share their thoughts on the bucins from Magelang.

Image adapted from: @anam_chenel

Instagram user @aaaaaayyy.19 jokingly lamented the fact that she couldn’t join the contest, even though she would have been a pro.

Image adapted from: @anam_chenel

@camingcc on the other hand, wondered if it was possible to watch a video recording of time spent with one’s ex for such a contest instead.

Image adapted from: @anam_chenel

As if the contest wasn’t painful enough, @syakuryalinawa suggested that looking at a photo of one’s ex with their current partner would have a stronger impact. Ouch. 

Image adapted from: @anam_chenel

Lastly, @fs_faizalrizal teased the winner,  cheekily congratulating him for not being able to move on from the past.

The post, which has been “loved” over 2,400 times, got many more comments – many of them containing tags of Facebook users’ likely bucin friends.

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Maintaining sense of humor during hard times

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Magelang’s unique Independence Day celebration proves that even during hard times – in the personal lives of the contestants as well as the global pandemic situation – having a good sense of humor can help you get by. 

Also read: 

• Sayembara Misuh lets you swear at COVID-19
• Mural artist transforms grandmother’s humble shack
• Food icon Sisca Soewitomo trolls netizens

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Cover image adapted from: @anam_chenel

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