A sense of nationalism

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.