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