'I wish all could gain their freedom and justice'

'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.