Holiday Ayo - Crowds of people lined up swiftly to sweep away the coins thrown by passersby on the Sewo Bridge, Indramayu, West Java.

For travelers who subscribe to the Jambetan Sewo area, this sight must be familiar with the presence of a broom beggar. The border bridge between Indramayu and Subang Regency, seems to have changed its function to become a field of sustenance for local residents.

From children to the elderly, they don't want to be left behind to earn change from passers-by. In accordance with their nickname, 'Beggars for Sweep Sticks', they do not use their bare hands, but carry long-handled broomsticks.

When a car opens the window and throws a coin, the beggars of broom sticks will be eagerly waiting. They were so agile to drag the coin using a broom stick.

Keep in mind also, the number of beggars broom sticks is not just a matter of fingers. If calculated, it might reach tens or even hundreds. For this reason, drivers of private cars, buses and trucks need to be careful and slow down as much as possible.

The Myth of the Sewo Indramayu Bridge

The habit of residents begging using sticks did not come suddenly. That said, there is a sad story behind it that became the forerunner of this activity.

The first story relates to the accident of a car. Somehow the exact chronology, the car reportedly plunged into the river while crossing the Sewo Bridge.

From this unfortunate incident, the passers-by of Sewo Bridge believe that one way to avoid them from harm is to throw money. Gradually, the custom seemed to be considered a tradition and eventually a few residents turned the money into additional income, especially when Eid arrived.

But there is one more story that is no less phenomenal. The beginning of the presence of stick beggars is believed to have stemmed from the bitter incident experienced by a brother and sister named Saidah and Saeni.

According to a circulating legend, Saidah and Saeni routinely beg at the Sewo Indramayu Bridge for the necessities of life. In fact, they not only spend time begging, but also fill the Ronggeng dance stage.

Until one day, their lives ended around the bridge. However, residents believe that the spirits of Saedah and Sani still reside there. As a result, the ritual of throwing money emerged as a form of 'saweran' for the brothers.