'Independence Day, another donation'
'Independence Day, another donation'
Indonesia will be celebrating its 57th year of independence on
Aug. 17. Across Jakarta, people have begun to prepare for the
celebration by raising red-and-white flags and hanging strings of
lights. A number of special events have also been prepared to
mark the occasion. But what do people say about independence
itself?
Jimi, 30s, a beverage vendor in the Blok M bus station in
South Jakarta. He has lived in the city for 15 years, and
currently resides in Kembangan, West Jakarta:
What do I care about Independence Day? It's just another
excuse for officials in my neighborhood to demand money. They
want the money for the celebrations. I'm broke, I have no money,
but I have no choice but pay.
Indonesia is independent, you can see the red-and-white
everywhere nowadays. If we weren't independent, how could we
raise the flag?
That's my comment. Please, don't bother me with more questions
about Independence Day. I have to make money today.
Yola, 25, an employee at a small company in Grogol, West
Jakarta. She has lived in a rented room in the same area since
she moved here from Manado, North Sulawesi, two years ago:
Independence Day means nothing to me. How can you be proud of
being an independent country if the government is unable to
improve its citizens' welfare?
I moved here from my hometown to get a job and a better life.
But my diploma means nothing here. I am grateful I have a job,
but my salary can hardly cover my daily expenses.
Why should I think about the meaning of Independence Day?
Rinto Hehamanua, 24, a student at a private university in
Rawamangun, East Jakarta, who lives in Pancoran, South Jakarta:
Formally, Indonesia became an independent country with its
declaration of independence on Aug. 17, 1945. But are we really
independent?
I certainly don't think so. Our country, instead, depends on
developed countries, particularly in economic matters. It seems
that we can't live without financial assistance from other
countries or international institutions.
This is rather sad because our country has abundant natural
resources, as well as human resources. I don't know why we still
have to rely on others. Is it the fault of the people for
electing corrupt representatives to lead the country?
P. Dian, 17, a student at a state high school in Setiabudi,
South Jakarta. She lives in Tebet, South Jakarta, with her
parents and two siblings:
Yes, Indonesia is officially an independent country. But that
does not mean Indonesia is free from colonization. I don't want
to say anything more, but just look and see how most people my
age look, think and act.
I don't know why they copy Western culture like that.
Therefore, I say that we, Indonesians, are not independent. We
have no identity of our own.
I think Indonesia is an independent country only in name.
Indonesia will be celebrating its 57th year of independence on
Aug. 17. Across Jakarta, people have begun to prepare for the
celebration by raising red-and-white flags and hanging strings of
lights. A number of special events have also been prepared to
mark the occasion. But what do people say about independence
itself?
Jimi, 30s, a beverage vendor in the Blok M bus station in
South Jakarta. He has lived in the city for 15 years, and
currently resides in Kembangan, West Jakarta:
What do I care about Independence Day? It's just another
excuse for officials in my neighborhood to demand money. They
want the money for the celebrations. I'm broke, I have no money,
but I have no choice but pay.
Indonesia is independent, you can see the red-and-white
everywhere nowadays. If we weren't independent, how could we
raise the flag?
That's my comment. Please, don't bother me with more questions
about Independence Day. I have to make money today.
Yola, 25, an employee at a small company in Grogol, West
Jakarta. She has lived in a rented room in the same area since
she moved here from Manado, North Sulawesi, two years ago:
Independence Day means nothing to me. How can you be proud of
being an independent country if the government is unable to
improve its citizens' welfare?
I moved here from my hometown to get a job and a better life.
But my diploma means nothing here. I am grateful I have a job,
but my salary can hardly cover my daily expenses.
Why should I think about the meaning of Independence Day?
Rinto Hehamanua, 24, a student at a private university in
Rawamangun, East Jakarta, who lives in Pancoran, South Jakarta:
Formally, Indonesia became an independent country with its
declaration of independence on Aug. 17, 1945. But are we really
independent?
I certainly don't think so. Our country, instead, depends on
developed countries, particularly in economic matters. It seems
that we can't live without financial assistance from other
countries or international institutions.
This is rather sad because our country has abundant natural
resources, as well as human resources. I don't know why we still
have to rely on others. Is it the fault of the people for
electing corrupt representatives to lead the country?
P. Dian, 17, a student at a state high school in Setiabudi,
South Jakarta. She lives in Tebet, South Jakarta, with her
parents and two siblings:
Yes, Indonesia is officially an independent country. But that
does not mean Indonesia is free from colonization. I don't want
to say anything more, but just look and see how most people my
age look, think and act.
I don't know why they copy Western culture like that.
Therefore, I say that we, Indonesians, are not independent. We
have no identity of our own.
I think Indonesia is an independent country only in name.