'Indonesia is free in name only'<\/p>\n
The commemoration of the country's 58th Independence Day is
\ngetting closer. Residents focus their attention on preparation
\nfor the festivities. However, some consider that there is nothing
\nto celebrate due to the hardships still suffered by people here.
\nThey blame the country's leaders in their negligence of the
\npeople's welfare. The Jakarta Post talked about the issue with
\nthem.<\/p>\n
Jumari, 47, is a vendor selling flags in Jatinegara, East
\nJakarta. The father of five children comes from Cirebon, West
\nJava:<\/p>\n
I don't think that we really live in an independent country.
\nWell, it is true that physically we are free from foreign
\nimperialism.<\/p>\n
However, the fact is that because of poor leadership, the
\nstate of the country is getting worse.<\/p>\n
The leaders only care about themselves. The politicians say
\nthey are going to do good things for the people, but in fact,
\nthey are just trying to win points over their opponents.<\/p>\n
So, the commemoration is just a symbol. We celebrate it out of
\nhabit, not with integrity.<\/p>\n
It is meaningless to me, I am afraid to say. If I sell flags
\nhere, it is just a matter of business.<\/p>\n
Honestly, I earn money from the celebration, but I don't get
\nany value of it.<\/p>\n
Yusup, 40, is a tailor who sews flags on Jl. Raya Matraman,
\nEast Jakarta. He lives in Bogor with his wife and four children:<\/p>\n
It is difficult for me to express my response to the
\ncountry's Independence Day.<\/p>\n
I'm confused because our country has gained its freedom but
\nreality does not reflect this.<\/p>\n
I hoped that after getting independence, the people's lives
\nwould be greatly improved.<\/p>\n
However, my dreams never come true. Life is getting tougher,
\nespecially for low income people like me.<\/p>\n
I thought that education in our country would be better. But
\nin fact, I can hardly afford the school tuition for my children
\nnow, despite the state-owned schools.<\/p>\n
It's hard for me to educate my children due to exorbitant
\ntuition fees.<\/p>\n
My two elder children quit school and help earn income to
\nsupport the youngest two.<\/p>\n
It seems we never have enough money.<\/p>\n
I think my children deserve an education regardless of our
\nhardships. So, I just wonder what this country's independence
\nreally signifies.<\/p>\n
Tatang, 42, is a worker at a warehouse in Balimester, East
\nJakarta. He lives nearby:<\/p>\n
Physically we have been free from imperialists for years.<\/p>\n
However, I don't think we fully got our independence as life
\njust gets worse.<\/p>\n
The condition is more like a portrait of a non-independent
\ncountry.<\/p>\n
How can we call it independent? So many people live in poverty
\nand insecurity?<\/p>\n
I would prefer the era of former President Soeharto. Most
\npeople led prosperous and secure lives.<\/p>\n
Now, people live in fear of terrorism.<\/p>\n
I am Chinese but fortunately I haven't experienced much
\ndiscrimination.<\/p>\n
My neighbors are very helpful, they wouldn't let that kind of
\nthing happen.<\/p>\n
Perhaps, in other areas in the city there are still people who
\nface discriminative treatment.<\/p>\n
Actually, we are equal regardless of nationality, right? We
\nlive in a so-called independent country, don't we?<\/p>\n
-- Leo Wahyudi S.<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/indonesia-is-free-in-name-only-1447893297", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }