Brittleness of nationalism

Brittleness of nationalism

From Rakyat Merdeka

Our founding fathers would be lost in sad contemplation if
they heard about the demands of some Indonesians who want
independence. Those who fought audaciously to liberate this
country, to maintain the unity of the nation, would feel betrayed
because their struggle had been in vain.

The people who created the national language and coined the
slogan Bhinneka Tunggal Ika (unity in diversity) are being
deserted by the younger generation.

The government is not ready to face the era of globalization
that is pushing ahead reform and technology. The nation's ideals
in the New Order era were deviated and poisoned the people's
lives.

The consequence of all this is that various regions in
Indonesia are demanding that the central government act in a just
way toward the regional governments and implement extended
autonomy. There have also been demands for independence. Aceh
demands a referendum, Riau wants independence, Ambon continues to
be in turmoil and there is a separatism movement in Irian Jaya.
All that points to the wish to free oneself from Indonesia's
sovereignty.

As part of the younger generation I appeal to all not to
betray the struggle of the nation's founding fathers who
tirelessly unified and liberated the whole territory of
Indonesia. The present government (Abdurrahman Wahid's Cabinet)
should concentrate on repairing the damages brought about by the
former government, especially the cases of injustice and human
rights violations.

KODRIN

Jakarta