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