A sense of nationalism

Although the context may not quite be the same, we cannot help but be reminded of the words of Jose Ortega y Gasset as we recall President Soeharto's recent call for Indonesians once again to strengthen their sense of nationalism as the nation stands on the threshold of its second long-term development cycle. Nations, according to the Spanish philosopher, are formed and kept alive by the fact that they have a program for tomorrow. In other words, because they have a sense of purpose -- specifically, in our historical experience, to improve the lot of the people who make up the national community.

Certainly, those words fit Soeharto's reminder that a strong sense of nationalism is essential to ensure the success of our second 25-Year Long-Term Development Program, which was officially launched on April 1. "During that period," Soeharto said, "we are resolved to strengthen our independence and also make up for backwardness compared to other countries."

Another reason for all Indonesians to strengthen their sense of nationalism is the fact that separatist movements are at present on the rise in many parts of the world, leading to bloodshed and fragmentation.

And, as if to once again underscore that reminder given during a seminar organized by the Golkar political organization in Jakarta recently, the President warned an audience of local people in Jambi, Sumatra, over the weekend against "indiscriminate actions" that could result in disturbances and jeopardize the nation's unity. Soeharto said there are groups of impatient people who aspire to indiscriminately apply Western concepts such as democracy and human rights in the archipelago.

For certain, there is much to say for the President's warning of possible national disintegration through fragmentation. Unlike most other countries in the world, Indonesia is a land of stupefying diversity. Indonesians do not have the luxury of being able to take their national unity for granted. Rather, it is an asset that has to be constantly worked for. And perhaps it is in this light that we must see Soeharto's warning not to blindly try to apply Western concepts.

We believe that in taking note of Soeharto's words we should by no means overlook the positive direction towards which the President's message is aimed. "Our national vision must not turn us into dwarfs because we live in a community of nations. On the other hand our national vision must not be overpowered by global changes." The kind of nationalism that should be fostered in Indonesia, according to the President, must be based on the state ideology Pancasila. It should abhor domination or suppression by any group over others and all forms of discrimination. And it should oppose all forms of separatism as well as feudalism and dictatorship.

In short, the kind of nationalism Indonesia aspires to at this particular juncture of its history remains committed to the principles of democracy and humanitarianism, as are so clearly stated in the Pancasila state ideology. It also has a clearly defined objective, which is to improve the well being of all Indonesians without discrimination.

In the past, fighting colonialism was the direct road towards achieving this aim. Today, colonialism, in its old familiar form, is dead in this part of the world, yet the objective of nationalism remains.

If we want to be true to our nationalist ideals, then there should be no place for chauvinism, feudalism, dictatorship, separatism and sectarianism, nor for corruption, abuse of authority and all such acts that clearly stand in the way of our objective of establishing a just and prosperous society for all.