Independence Day: Between celebration and vexation
Independence Day: Between celebration and vexation
The Jakarta Post, Jakarta
Residents of Palu, Central Sulawesi, have been busier than
usual in recent days.
In some areas, people are painting their fences while many
others are tidying up their yards. Students are participating in
dancing and marching drills after class.
They are all making preparation for the 60th anniversary of
Indonesian independence on Aug. 17.
"I took part in the marching competition last year. After
attending a ceremony outside the governor's office in the morning
of Aug. 17, we then participated in a parade the next day," said
Andi Librianty, a student at state high school SMK I in Palu.
Like most parts of the country, Palu is ready to celebrate
Independence Day.
Traditionally, Independence Day is commemorated through
ceremonies on the morning of Aug. 17 nationwide.
Although Aug. 17 is a national holiday, most students and
civil servants have to attend ceremonies at their schools and
offices.
As part of the annual celebration, sports competitions and
dance or musical performances are organized in towns and cities
around the country.
Sports competitions are not only organized at the district
level, but also in neighborhoods.
In Papua -- where there has been a separatist movement for
years -- Governor J.P. Solossa has ordered locals to organize
traditional Yospan dance competitions.
The dance is popular among local youths and is commonly
performed in pairs.
The South Sulawesi administration is organizing a development
fair. This year, the expo is taking place at Somba Opu. All of
the regencies in the province are participating in the fair,
which will run from Aug. 9 through Aug. 13.
Trade fairs, competitions and performances are all organized
to build solidarity and togetherness among the people. At least,
that is according to Rizal Intje Nae, a community leader in Tulo
village, Dolo.
He said traditional games could help build solidarity among
the children.
"A sense of solidarity and nationalism should be introduced at
an early age," he added.
The younger generation is, however, skeptical about the
effectiveness of these activities in building solidarity.
Rofika, 24, a student at Tadulako University in Palu, said
Independence Day had become just another yearly event.
"The meaning of independence does not lie in the brightness of
the lamps and decorations during the celebrations," he said.
Ferry Ahmad, 27, a resident of Palu, said the Independence Day
celebrations had nothing to do with the reality now being faced
by many citizens -- that many people still live "shackled" by
economic problems. He cited the current difficulties faced by
people in Palu in obtaining kerosene.
The situation in Ambon, Maluku, is even worse. Thousands of
people cannot celebrate Independence Day because they are too
busy just trying to survive.
Many people are still living in temporary shelters after years
of sectarian conflict in the region. There are at least 15,000
families who depend on financial assistance from the government
to get by.
"Frankly speaking, I am still afraid to return and rebuild my
house," said Fatima Sangaji, a refugee from Waringin.
Another resident, Hamdani Hataul, said that after 60 years the
people of Ambon had not enjoyed the benefits of independence.
"Independence is freedom, but the people of Ambon have yet to
enjoy freedom. The government has done little to help the
refugees," he said.
Despite the agony of the people, the local administration is
planning to erect a stage for the celebrations.
Maluku will also celebrate its 60th anniversary on Aug. 19.
The celebration is estimated to cost about Rp 1.8 billion.
Some people think the government does not do enough to show
its commitment to the people.
According to Robert Wanggai, a youth in Papua, strengthening
unity and nationalism should not only be done through
celebrations. The government must also respond to the needs of
the people.
"How can we love (Indonesia) if we are not loved (by it)?" he
asked.