'I have nothing to be proud of as an Indonesian'

'I have nothing to be proud of as an Indonesian'

The youth of Indonesia used to commemorate the Youth Pledge Day
on Oct. 28 with pride. The pledge still stands, 75 years after
young people vowed to unite despite their different ethnic,
religious, social and political backgrounds. A few young people
shared their views on the significancy of the pledge with The
Jakarta Post.

Eka Dewi, 21, is a student of the London School of Public
Relations in South Jakarta. She lives in Karet, South Jakarta:

The Youth Pledge Day is no longer meaningful to most of the
young people in the country, including myself. We have lost
respect for our country and pride in being Indonesian.

Some of my friends even complain when we have to sing the
national anthem Indonesia Raya during Independence Day
celebrations. Isn't that ironic?

Perhaps corruption and a poor education system have caused our
patriotic feelings to fade away. The government fails to set
citizens a good example and we are left disappointed.

I have nothing to be proud of as an Indonesian. I'm jealous of
Americans as they can proudly proclaim themselves American.

I believe that student exchange programs will revive the
spirit of Youth Pledge Day and youths here will learn to be proud
once more.

Yuki, 18, is a student of Trisakti University in West Jakarta.
She lives in Sunter, North Jakarta:

Many people, mostly youths, have ignored the commemoration of
the Youth Pledge Day. We don't care about it anymore.

The ideals taught in schools, such as morality, civic
education and Pancasila, remain in the classroom. They are not
evident in real life.

I am from Chinese descent and have experienced discrimination
here.

There is a call for equality among all students on campus
regardless of ethnicity or religion. But, the fact is that there
are still wide gaps between ethnic groups.

I don't like being discriminated against on a daily basis.
But how do I prevent it?

Fitri, 18, is a first year student at an institute in South
Jakarta. She lives in Pasar Minggu, South Jakarta:

I remember commemorating Youth Pledge Day but I completely
forgot the content of the pledge.

That's pretty bad because the pledge marks our predecessors'
fight for unity.

Today there are separatist movements within this country not
to mention the rampant corruption and terrorist threats. In
reality, our pledge should be more significant than ever.

-- Leo Wahyudi S.