Independence Day reflection

Independence Day reflection

Every time we observe our Independence Day we have to thank God for we have succeeded in improving our economy so that the level of the people's prosperity is raised, the number of people living below the poverty line has decreased and infra-structures have been built which enables us to embark on to the next development.

Also public health has improved and the mortality rate of infants and mothers continues to decline, and the life expectancy of the Indonesian people is longer.

However, it must be admitted that the gap between the rich and the poor still exists, and the issue of investments that are supported by government facilities and the protection given to some entrepreneurs still looms large.

Many complaints were made and criticisms were launched to the effect that economic performance has curtailed orientation, perception and values of development, as if the other facets of development bowed to the economic dynamism. The correct concept about the development of man as a whole was not duly implemented.

Cognition or consciousness on what is good and bad, right and wrong, was vague. Almost every aspect of life -- services, law, education and societal activities -- is not spared from contamination.

The meaning of our independence should not be confined to freedom, but should also cover consciousness in brotherhood and equality. Endowed with these three values, we should have strong motivation to find the ways and means to improve the conditions.

-- Kompas, Jakarta