Nation and character building

Nation and character building

In the early days of the Indonesian revolution, when president
Sukarno was leading this newly-established state, nation and
character building were intensified as he realized the need to
awaken the Indonesian people and arouse them to stand up as a
free nation with strong self-respect and pride.

The Asia-Africa Conference held in Bandung in 1954 marked
Indonesia's position as one of the pioneers of the liberation
movement in Asia and Africa.

President Sukarno was respected around the world and
Indonesians could take pride at being Indonesian when abroad.

Do we still have this pride when we celebrate the 56th
anniversary of our independence?

It is said that reform is being implemented in all aspects of
life but the government does not seem determined to eradicate
corruption and nepotism. Many New Order people, who have
committed grave sins, are trying to join the ranks of the reform
movement only to avoid punishment or to re-establish the New
Order.

Why can this happen? The culprit is the nation's bad morality.
Politicians place their own group interests over national and
state interests. The idealism of the early days of our revolution
has now dimmed.

It is time now for President Megawati to maintain her father's
commitment to rebuild the country. It is her job to intensify
nation and character building. God willing, with the support from
us all, she will successfully perform this task.

SOEHARTONO FA HIEN

Bandung