'Nationalism a mere political commodity'

'Nationalism a mere political commodity'

SEMARANG (JP): Nationalism has faded and people are wrapped up
in materialism, an observer says.

Suratal H.W., a lecturer at the Diponegoro University's School
of Social and Political Sciences, said the public can no longer
discuss the concept of nationalism "clearly, as the public's
vision has been clouded by rampant collusion and corruption".

"The word 'nationalism' is now a mere political commodity.
It's no longer a spirit which guides people's lives and the
nation's development," he told The Jakarta Post here on Saturday,

He said it's much easier today to name high-ranking officials
and businessmen who sacrifice their nationalism for the sake of
material gain. They abuse power and authority for the sake of
such gains, he added.

Nurdien H.K., a lecturer at the School of Letters at the same
university, seconded Suratal's opinion and said that people
should question whether nationalism and the so-called second
national awakening existed.

"What kind of nationalism is there if collusion and corruption
is so rampant, taking various forms?" he said. "The people who
helped Eddy Tansil escape must not have any sense of
nationalism."

Nurdien was referring to the convicted businessman who escaped
earlier this month from Jakarta's Cipinang penitentiary, where he
was serving 20 years in prison for embezzling Rp 1.3 trillion
(US$ 0.5 billion) of state money. He was allegedly helped by some
prison officials.

Nurdien said, however, nationalism is still needed in order to
maintain Indonesia's unity.

"There have been signs of disintegration in our society, but
this need not happen if only we work to maintain our
nationalism," he said.

He said the nation's leaders should first set good examples.
"They shouldn't be busy with the interests of their own groups
only," he said.

"They should set good examples, be even more committed toward
the good of this country," he said. (har/swe)