American independence day

There is a simple reason why many Indonesians, including myself, will remember July 4, American Independence Day.

Indonesia's first president Sukarno drew much of his inspiration in the fight against Dutch colonial oppression from the American Revolution, in particular the notion that every man has the basic right to be born free, not in slavery. In the eyes of Sukarno, therefore, colonialism was the source of all evils obstructing the colonized people from attaining prosperity and human dignity.

Freedom of expression and freedom of organization could only be found in the U.S.A. Of course, there was the French Revolution of 1789, with its battle cry of equality and brotherhood for every citizen. Workers also looked to the Soviet October Revolution for inspiration. Sukarno had influenced the peoples' struggle at almost all levels. The American idea and ideals of a free society, or democratic social order in today's jargon, has continued to captivate the world.

As we know today, America has shown many shortcomings and disappointments up until now, including racial prejudice. Also, rightly or wrongly, it all too often acts as the sheriff of the world. If it restrained itself from imposing its will on others, essentially Europeans and the Chinese, perhaps the world would be a lot better.

To America, a free world means free trade without restrictions and subsidies. But free trade is seen by poorer countries as only being advantageous to the richer nations. In spite of whatever criticism is leveled against the U.S.A., the world still depends on it for resources and U.S. dollars.

Indonesians may commemorate U.S. Independence Day as freely as any other citizen in the world. What they should know is the influence the U.S. Independence struggle had on Indonesian leaders, which should not be forgotten or ignored.

GANDHI SUKARDI

Jakarta