National disintegration
After watching TV coverage and seeing images of acts of arson and manslaughter in Palangka Raya and Hulu Kapuas, my heart sank. My people once known as gentle and patient, have now become ferocious. Are they really bloodthirsty? This unitary state is really on the verge of disintegration.
"One State, One Nation and One Language", the motto nurtured and cherished by our founding fathers, is at stake. We all have experienced the joy of having one language, the Indonesian language. This is depicted when we travel across the country as we can easily communicate with one another. One state is an assurance that no matter where we set our foot on this archipelago, it is still our country, and last but not least is the spirit of having one nation that we have to always cherish and keep alive in our hearts.
In a unitary state, we must not take pride in the feelings and interests of our own tribe and region; we must regard ourselves as Indonesians. The first president, the late Bung Karno stressed on the importance of unity in his slogan, "united we stand, divided we fall" because only through unity will we be solid and strong.
However, during the New Order regime, groups such as the Association of Indonesian Military Children, the Association of Minang People, Gorontalo People, West, Central and East Java People and so forth began to mushroom. This lead to divide et impera( divide and rule).
Such a circumstance is being worsened by the establishment of regional autonomy. Anyway, who was it that came up with idea of regional autonomy? Its objectives may be great, but many a region are not ready for it as human resources still pose a problem. What is clearly rampant are cases involving money and position.
Transmigrations, which was intended to be used to unite the nation, are now in disarray because of regional sentiments. For example, people from Central and West Java, who have long settled in particular areas in Aceh, are now being forcibly driven out and left stranded in refugee camps. Refugees from Sampit had a horrible experience too. During the Dutch era, there were tribes notorious for beheading their enemies. These tribes were very proud of what they were doing. The heads of the victims were usually put on display. The more heads they collected, the more respect they received. The Dutch government, however, did not sit still. They clamped down on these acts of savagery by continually policing the area.
What we have to do now is to foster nationalism, tolerance, togetherness and unity. At present we feel the absence of a uniting figure; one who is wise, hardworking, has the moral authority and accepted by all walks of life, but expects no reward for uniting his nation.
Indonesia is now like a no-man's land. Its people have no protection, The police and the Army are afraid to take stern measures for fear of breaching human rights. Take for example a case in Aceh when police took action, the President became indignant. Only time will tell what is going to happen to Indonesia.
MRS. IRANA
Jakarta