Indonesians must learn how to be proud of their nation

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.