Indonesians must learn how to be proud of their nation

By Simon Marcus Gower

TANGERANG, Banten (JP): It has been a long road to recovery from the depths of crises that first took hold in 1997. It is unfortunate that the shadows that those dark clouds of economic depression cast still linger over Indonesia. But this country benefits little from continued pessimism. Perhaps it is reasonable and right to now view with optimism the future of the nation with the fifth president and her accompanying cabinet newly installed.

For the young people of this nation, though, there does seem to be some element of a negative stigma attached to the notion of commemorating the independence of this country. These negative attitudes are something that educators within Indonesia should be aware of and respond to. A recent discussion in the celebration of Independence Day with a group of teenagers revealed what seems to be a fairly typical apathy towards the idea of marking the birth of the nation or identifying with national pride.

The typical responses that came to suggestions about the value of celebrating a "national day" were: "What's to celebrate? This country is in a mess", "The country is splitting up, so how can we celebrate it?" and "Indonesia is embarrassing. So many countries are so much better than us."

This last apathetic and critical commentator went on to highlight Britain, Australia and America as examples of great nations that can "be proud of their history". Confronted with a few alternative points of view on those three nations this home critic did however pause for thought. When told of how Britain too currently has problems of portions of its lands calling for independence from London, his lips squeezed together and his eyes-brows were raised in an expression of appreciation for this familiar observation.

Further pause for thought did arise as alternative perspectives on Australia and America were raised -- such as the disgraceful manner in which the indigenous peoples of those lands were treated. Nobody in their right mind would look upon genocide, segregation and a general humiliation and marginalizing of people with any sense of pride. The thought of these aspects of the histories of, so called, great nations lead this critic to acknowledgement that all nations go through difficulties, but still he fell back on his belief, even conviction, that Indonesia was not a nation that he could feel proud of just now.

This same kind of psychological block towards positive thoughts about Indonesia can be observed time and time again when one meets and talks with young people here. As an expatriate in this country it has, effectively, become boring and even annoying to be asked the loaded question "Why are you living in Indonesia?"

It is all too apparent that this question is probing along the lines of "Why on earth are you here? Are you crazy?" Expressions of bemusement cross faces as they hear the comeback: "This is a great country. It is full of amazing places and people. These are remarkable times of opportunity for Indonesia and it is, therefore, an interesting place in which to live." Again, there are pauses for thought and perhaps (even hopefully), some appreciation of an alternative and positive way of looking at things.

Occasionally one hears the thought, spoken and shared out loud, that living in another country would be better than staying in Indonesia. But this is probably a case of "the grass is always greener on the other side". An Indonesian living and studying in the United States of America regularly confides that she longs for the vacation times to come and is ever keen to finish her studies so that she may come home to Indonesia. This is, quite likely, a typical experience and emotion.

An Indonesian overseas, then, has a clear and distinct love of home. Indeed an Indonesian in Indonesia, doubtless, shares that love of home, but for both (whether home or abroad) love of nation should surely be seen as a logical and natural next step and thought.

One generation complaining about another or a continued underlying pessimism will serve no useful purpose for anyone. It is true -- Indonesia has suffered in difficult and painful times and more challenges surely lie ahead. But skepticism, cynicism and apathy are not traits that will make the path to recovery any easier to take. Those charged with the great responsibility to educate can directly target such negative sentiments and try to maximize positive attitudes.

National pride need not become fanaticism or enter into xenophobia that excludes other nations and tolerance of diversity but national pride surely helps to create a sense of direction and worth. A sense of togetherness and social cohesion that is important to all nations.

Here is a vital role for the schools of Indonesia. Without prodding and pushing in a dictatorial manner, it should be possible for schools, and teachers in particular, to guide children towards pride in their nation. This would not only have a benefit to society generally but also would benefit the individual, as a sense of pride and respect for oneself and others is a central facet of character building and development of a well rounded personality.

Many people have evidently suffered materially, physically and emotionally during recent years. This has, of course, created a loss of confidence. It also seems that many people have been left psychologically scared and down on the idea that Indonesia can regain lost ground and succeed. Perception is vital to reinstalling confidence. Strength of conviction and will power is necessary but it undoubtedly can be done.

At the time that Indonesia gained its independence, at the end of the World War II, two great nations were on their knees. Germany and Japan had been crushed in defeat but since those devastating times both of those nations have managed to hugely revive their fortunes.

Indonesia should celebrate its independence and seek to revive its fortunes. The potential is surely there. The young people in schools need to be guided towards a sense of purpose and pride. It is surely time for Indonesia to meet with and go beyond its recent difficult history.

Dr. Simon Marcus Gower is a coordinator within the junior and senior high schools of St. Laurensia School, Serpong, Tangerang in Banten.