American independence day

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