'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)