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