Indonesia not yet independent

Indonesia not yet independent

From Koran Tempo

Aug. 17 is a special date for Indonesians, because on that
date in 1945, the country declared its freedom.

The question worth raising in this context is: Are we really
free? We need to examine what we have gained after 59 years of
freedom.

The Indonesian standard dictionary defines the word merdeka
(free) as independent of slavery, colonization, bondage and so
forth.

In terms of colonization, freedom means the state of being
independent of bondage and colonization, physically as well as in
economic, social, political and cultural forms.

In reality, we are not yet truly independent. We enjoy only
pseudo-freedom. Despite the absence of Dutch colonizers and
Japanese invaders, our dependence on major foreign countries
remains.

Therefore, the nation remains subjected to foreign powers in
economic, social, political and cultural affairs, even in our
confidence and value system. However, the freedom from physical
bondage deserves our gratitude.

RATNI KARTINI

Jakarta