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