'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.