Indonesian celebrities take on ALS ice bucket challenge

CHALLENGE ACCEPTED. Famous Indonesian personalities take on the ALS ice bucket challenge.

JAKARTA, Indonesia – Indonesia’s celebrities and young entrepreneurs have taken on the wildly viral ALS ice bucket challenge, with one even challenging President-elect Joko “Jokowi” Widodo to dump freezing water on himself as well or donate to the cause.

The social phenomenon, which is intended to raise awareness and funds for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), a progressive neurodegenerative disease also known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease, has attracted celebrities, athletes, politicians, businessmen, and regular people from all walks of life all over the world to participate.

It works as a pay-it-forward dare: a participant either donates money to ALS charities or agrees to have a bucket of ice water dumped on his head. Many of those who have the ice water dumped on their head also donate money. There is currently no treatment for ALS.

Andrew Darwis, the co-founder of Indonesia’s largest online community Kaskus, challenged VJ Daniel Mananta and celebrities Luna Maya and Syahrini.

Mananta, who also owns the Damn I Love Indonesia fashion label, in turn challenged Jokowi, losing presidential candidate Prabowo Subianto, and dangdut celebrity Julia Perez to take on the challenge. On his instagram account, he wrote: “After Pilpres, it’s always good to cool down,” referring to Indonesia’s recently concluded yet highly divisive presidential elections.

Perez, popularly known as Jupe, in turn nominated President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono and first lady Ani Yudhoyono.

There’s no word yet on whether the first couple, Jokowi or Prabowo will accept the challenge.