'Inter-generation dialog could allay differences'

'Inter-generation dialog could allay differences'

JAKARTA (JP): Although the process of one generation taking
over from the one before it is natural, it needs sincerity as
well as mental and intellectual preparedness, according to City
Military chief Maj.Gen. Wiranto.

"For that reason, a communication forum in the form of inter-
generation dialog is necessary and useful," Wiranto said
yesterday when opening a discussion entitled The history of the
struggle for independence and the implementation of the spirit of
the 1945 generation in the development area.

The 1945 generation refers to those who fought during
Indonesia's struggle for independence in the 1940s, culminating
in the country's success in gaining independence from the Dutch
yoke on Aug. 17, 1945.

Representatives of the 1945 generation, activists of youth
organizations, members of non-governmental organizations as well
as university students and military officers took part in the
one-day discussion held in conjunction with the 50th anniversary
of Indonesia's independence.

Inter-generation dialogs, according to Wiranto, could help
bridge different perspectives between the generations, thus
facilitating the process. "Such dialogs need sincerity, honesty
and openness on the part of all involved."

Maj.Gen (ret) Ahmadi, chief of the city branch of the 1945
generation council, said that it was impossible for Indonesia to
proclaim independence without physical revolution.

He added that when the founding-fathers of the republic,
Sukarno and Mohamad Hatta, jointly proclaimed Indonesia's
independence it inspired other countries which were still under
colonial rule to follow suit.

He urged the younger generation to inherit the spirit of the
1945 generation, including the values of heroism, togetherness,
unity and the readiness to sacrifice everything for the sake of
the public.

A participant representing the younger generation stated that
the present generation is facing different problems and
challenges, since the generation has to face global competition
which needs quality human resources.

Ahmadi responded that as long as the new generation tries to
keep the 1945 spirit alive and remain loyal to the people such
differences pose no problem.

"The spirit will inspire the young generation to struggle for
the challenges," he pointed out, adding that in essence the
challenges faced by the 1945 generation during the struggle for
independence and those faced by the present generation were the
same.

A myriad of activities are now being held nationwide to
celebrate the 50th anniversary of the republic.

The Monas square in Central Jakarta is the center stage for
activities being held by the city administration to commemorate
Independence Day, which will peak on Aug. 19 with the program
called Kenduri Nasional (National Fiesta) which is expected to be
attended by more than 70,000 people.

Wiranto called on the people to help keep public order and
security during the celebrations. He said he had instructed his
personnel to be on guard for any untoward incidents that might
happen during the fiesta.

"But the public should also be cooperative by helping the
officers keep order and security. Let's work together to prevent
any incidents that could taint the greatness and the significant
meaning of Independence Day," he said. (29)