'Indonesia is free in name only'

'Indonesia is free in name only'

The commemoration of the country's 58th Independence Day is
getting closer. Residents focus their attention on preparation
for the festivities. However, some consider that there is nothing
to celebrate due to the hardships still suffered by people here.
They blame the country's leaders in their negligence of the
people's welfare. The Jakarta Post talked about the issue with
them.

Jumari, 47, is a vendor selling flags in Jatinegara, East
Jakarta. The father of five children comes from Cirebon, West
Java:

I don't think that we really live in an independent country.
Well, it is true that physically we are free from foreign
imperialism.

However, the fact is that because of poor leadership, the
state of the country is getting worse.

The leaders only care about themselves. The politicians say
they are going to do good things for the people, but in fact,
they are just trying to win points over their opponents.

So, the commemoration is just a symbol. We celebrate it out of
habit, not with integrity.

It is meaningless to me, I am afraid to say. If I sell flags
here, it is just a matter of business.

Honestly, I earn money from the celebration, but I don't get
any value of it.

Yusup, 40, is a tailor who sews flags on Jl. Raya Matraman,
East Jakarta. He lives in Bogor with his wife and four children:

It is difficult for me to express my response to the
country's Independence Day.

I'm confused because our country has gained its freedom but
reality does not reflect this.

I hoped that after getting independence, the people's lives
would be greatly improved.

However, my dreams never come true. Life is getting tougher,
especially for low income people like me.

I thought that education in our country would be better. But
in fact, I can hardly afford the school tuition for my children
now, despite the state-owned schools.

It's hard for me to educate my children due to exorbitant
tuition fees.

My two elder children quit school and help earn income to
support the youngest two.

It seems we never have enough money.

I think my children deserve an education regardless of our
hardships. So, I just wonder what this country's independence
really signifies.

Tatang, 42, is a worker at a warehouse in Balimester, East
Jakarta. He lives nearby:

Physically we have been free from imperialists for years.

However, I don't think we fully got our independence as life
just gets worse.

The condition is more like a portrait of a non-independent
country.

How can we call it independent? So many people live in poverty
and insecurity?

I would prefer the era of former President Soeharto. Most
people led prosperous and secure lives.

Now, people live in fear of terrorism.

I am Chinese but fortunately I haven't experienced much
discrimination.

My neighbors are very helpful, they wouldn't let that kind of
thing happen.

Perhaps, in other areas in the city there are still people who
face discriminative treatment.

Actually, we are equal regardless of nationality, right? We
live in a so-called independent country, don't we?

-- Leo Wahyudi S.