Is idealism dying?

From Pikiran Rakyat

On reading Dr. Ruslan Abdulgani's article titled Erosion of Nationalism in Indonesian Society I feel compelled to express my concern.

The tide of individualism and materialism are constantly eroding the rock of nationalism and patriotism. It seems that individualistic and materialistic thinking is also affecting social behavior in our society, thus conflicting with the values we are trying to instill in people.

I am not anti-modernization, nor am I anti-westernization. However, I do love Indonesia. In view of the existing realities the question that arises in my mind is: Are idealism, nationalism and patriotism dying in this beloved country?

I therefore call on Indonesians of the younger generation to get to work and to resist the creeping influences of westernization.

SUKADI

Bandung