No apology needed<\/p>\n
Now, after 50 years of independence and as we are welcoming
\nQueen Beatrix, the question is whether it's still relevant to
\ndebate the issue of 350 years of Dutch colonialism in Indonesia.
\nAnd are we to indulge in demands for an apology?<\/p>\n
Colonialism is an interesting subject for study and research.
\nHowever, any act of looking back on our past history should not
\nlead ourself to demean our dignity as a free nation. For that
\nreason we must welcome Queen Beatrix as queen of a sovereign
\nnation whose mission is to strengthen the friendly relations.<\/p>\n
We are a great country and a great nation. Debating the need
\nfor an apology only opens old wounds. The damage would become
\neven greater when the rhetoric involved implies a baseless
\narrogance.<\/p>\n
The greatness of the Indonesian people has already been proved
\nby its capability to oust the colonial power 50 years ago. Now,
\nduring the visit of Queen Beatrix, we must once again prove that
\nwe are indeed a great nation.<\/p>\n
As far as we are concerned the fact that Indonesia attained
\nits independence on August 17, 1945, is a reality which no one
\ncan deny. That fact will not grow or diminish in significance
\nwhether or not there is any recognition or apology from Queen
\nBeatrix.<\/p>\n
-- Media Indonesia, Jakarta<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/no-apology-needed-1447893297", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }