Independence speech

Independence speech

In his speech at the House of Representatives (DPR) to mark
Independence Day, President Soeharto explicitly placed Indonesia
in the global context. Some nations have been successful in
raising the prosperity and the prestige of their people.
Some are limping their way forward, still others fail.

In fact, the key to success is the prevalence of the spirit of
nationalism, unity and a sense of togetherness. But the condition
of our society keeps changing and developing internally, as well
as externally. New currents and social forces are emerging
together with the emergence of varying interests. All these
forces compete with each other, pull at each other and even
confront each other.

How then can we maintain the spirit of togetherness, unity and
nationalism within these changing conditions?

This is a great challenge to us. The answer seems to be the
necessity of making flexible and rational adjustments so as to
preserve stability, peace and security.

-- Kompas, Jakarta