Lottery For Indonesians
Lottery games operate in the shadows. But their siren call is undeniable, luring millions of people to test the limits of luck and fortune. Their popularity transcends gambling; it’s intertwined with economic hopes and dreams of a better future, and our inherent love for suspense and surprise. They’re an expression of Indonesia’s complex relationship with luck and fortune, and spark a fascinating debate on regulation, morality, and society’s unquenchable thirst for chance.
In the villages of Flores, shio is an integral part of day-to-day conversations. Both men and women, young and old, brag about their winning tickets – often not even telling how much they lost – and about their skills in interpreting omens to predict the result of the next lottery draw. These interpretations are not just based on numerical patterns; they also use charts that depict the Chinese zodiac and interpret dreams as messages from the ancestors. Shio also establishes a daily connection between anonymous metropolises like Singapore and rural villages, and is an important vehicle for discussing the importance of a person’s name and identity.
Despite the fact that shio is a form of gambling, some villagers claim to be addicted to it and make small bets on a weekly basis. They spend their wins in the form of sweets or alcohol, and share their wealth with family and friends. In some cases, this practice resembles a romantic notion of economic redistribution within communities. However, in the end, the shio lottery results in a net loss for most villagers.