Nation's coming of age<\/p>\n
I am writing in reference to the much-awaited event -- the
\ncommemoration of 52 years of our Indonesian Republic. History
\nevidences its striding into the 52nd year of independence, but
\nthe years taken to commemorate this event have done little to
\nenhance maturity of the Indonesian Republic. The nation solemnly
\ndeclares having built a democracy and establishing good lives for
\nthe multitude. The nation is now on its way to celebrate 52 years
\nof independence, even as the good lives of our fellow Indonesians
\nwere lost during the recent general elections.<\/p>\n
Our nation was mourning the loss of people, and Indonesians
\neverywhere bottled up shame, anger and emotional grief for the
\nsake of the elections that just went by. This happened because
\nthe elections were considered a frightening attraction more than
\nanything else. It did become one of the most frightening episodes
\nin the lives of the Indonesian people, and the misery caused in
\nthe general elections was a political education in itself.<\/p>\n
Tax-paying citizens were more dismayed than disappointed as
\nthe political parties and security agencies failed to anticipate
\nthe problems and overcome them, and fear and anxiety remained
\nunabated.<\/p>\n
The chilling disturbances that never seemed to subside in time
\nleft the Indonesian people feeling restless, terribly worried and
\nimprisoned in their own cities.<\/p>\n
Even though the campaigning may seem vital, it should teach
\nthe parties that arrange these campaigns to follow in the step of
\ndemocratic nations who exercise control over campaigning with
\nexactness.<\/p>\n
H. IFRODY SUKANTO<\/p>\n
Jakarta<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/nations-coming-of-age-1447893297", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }