Worried by 2004 election<\/p>\n
From Kompas<\/p>\n
The behavior of politicians and the political scene in
\nIndonesia indeed leave most laymen sad and cautious. The current
\nsituation is in contrast to the years following the birth of the
\nrepublic, when many figures were deeply imbued with nationalism
\nand patriotism.<\/p>\n
As a student, I once read a book by one of Indonesia's freedom
\nfighters, Sutan Syahrir, titled Perjuangan Kita (Our Struggle).
\nHis statement over 50 years ago, which was republished in 1999,
\nis still relevant. Political parties with masses of uneducated
\nfollowers and leaders who decide all policies themselves
\nconstitute a great danger and may lead to fascism or
\ntotalitarianism.<\/p>\n
The legacy of feudalism remains strong within Indonesian
\nsociety, meaning that our people are used to receiving political
\ninstructions and relying on the initiatives of their leaders.
\nTherefore, they can easily be organized in a totalitarian way,
\nwhich is the greatest threat to the national community.<\/p>\n
The thought of Sutan Syahrir worries me, as the nation is
\napproaching the campaigning period prior to the general election
\nof 2004. Whither our nation tomorrow?<\/p>\n
HADISUDJONO S.
\nJakarta<\/p>",
"url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/worried-by-2004-election-1447893297",
"image": ""
},
"sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
"sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com"
}