50 years of independence

50 years of independence

Yugoslavia was once Indonesia's democratic counterpart. But that country is now disintegrating. In 1966, Pakistan's and Nigeria's economies were better than Indonesia's economy. Now, our economy is better than theirs. Therefore, Indonesia is rightly thankful to God. This statement was made by Prof. Emil Salim, in his capacity as the head of the Executive National Committee of the 50th Anniversary of Indonesia's independence during a meeting with chief editors of the media in Jakarta.

This feeling of thankfulness should be accompanied by an open attitude and modesty in our efforts to learn from experiences. We should also have a common political will to correct our past mistakes, and a common determination to build our future towards the achievement of the nation's proclamation goal.

The celebration of the 50th Independence Day must ensure the active and intensive participation of the people as a whole, and not make them merely spectators of the grand festivity. The people should be given the widest chance to mark the day in their own ways, styles and manners: presenting cultural shows, organizing a variety of contests -- all from the people, by the people and for the benefit of the people.

The philosophical meaning of the independence festival is to awaken our consciousness on the crucial task of realizing the national goal i.e. the people's prosperity, justice and welfare.

-- Kompas, Jakarta