'I wish all could gain their freedom and justice'

Despite their objection to the cost of independence day celebrations by many across the city, some lower-income people shared the wishes that people should know the true meaning of Independence Day on Aug. 17. They talked to The Jakarta Post as the day drew closer.

Udi Karsudi, 39, is a peddler of pens on city buses. He lives in Kota, North Jakarta. He is from the West Java town of Kuningan, where his wife and daughter reside:

I think Independence Day still has meaning for me. At least it's the time we remember the nation's heroes and what they did for this country.

But personally, I don't feel independent, especially in the capital city. I'm not free from city public order officers, who can threaten to kick me out at any time.

I think most of the celebrations organized by locals here are just a waste of time and money. But in the name of tradition, it has become normal.

The most important thing in celebrating independence is that I have the freedom to support my children's education as much as possible so that eventually they will also have their freedom. I don't want them to drop out of school, despite their parents' low income.

Mahmud, 37, used to be a coconut trader in Mayestik, South Jakarta, and is now a food vendor at Palmerah, West Jakarta. The native Jakartan lives in Rawa Simprug, South Jakarta, with his wife and four children:

In my opinion the country has not yet become independent from oppressors. Economically, we lag behind other countries and let other nations exploit us. That's not independence at all.

However, the celebrations by many communities are not wasteful and meaningless as they do it to maintain the tradition and its values. Besides, the residents voluntarily fund the cost of the celebrations.

I disagree with the lavish festivities put on by hotels because the huge amount spent would be better disbursed to the needy.

I hope we become a self-reliant and autonomous country.

Buyung, 28, has been a hat vendor at Slipi, West Jakarta, for four years. The single man originally came from West Sumatra and now resides in Gang Amal, Slipi:

I see nothing special about Independence Day because I don't consider I live in an independent state. My life and social status have remained unchanged.

I appreciate that celebrations in most areas of the city are not a waste of money. It's quite normal, as the money raised comes from voluntary contribution from residents.

However, I have no specific hopes, and probably my vendor colleagues think the same way.

So, why should I pay serious attention to whether the country is independent or not? I expect nothing from the country.

Adi Purnomo, 25, is a security officer at Ibis Hotel, Slipi. He has done the job for five years. The single man resides in Ciracas, East Jakarta with his mother:

I still believe in the true meaning of upcoming Independence Day. Well, it makes me look backward to the past hardships of this country's founders who fought for its independence.

I feel independent at the moment, though with limited freedom. But on the other hand I regret that many are reluctant to hoist the red-and-white flag.

Well, financially speaking, the tradition of decorating and hoisting flags in most villages is deemed wasteful. Socially speaking, however, the tradition has practical value, as we can get to know each other better in our respective neighborhoods.

I wish the law were better enforced so that everyone in this country could obtain their own freedom and justice.