Nationalism should be more than just flag-raising ceremonies

As people across the country prepare to celebrate the nation's 60th Independence Day on Wednesday. The Jakarta Post asked a number of young people from different provinces their views about the celebration.

Robert Wanggai, a church activist in Papua:

The celebration of Independence Day has long been an annual observance for every country in the world, including Indonesia.

In my opinion, efforts to strengthen brotherhood and unity within the nation should not only be made through the Independence Day ceremony but it will be better achieved through government' efforts to ensure equality and welfare for its people. The government needs to pay attention to improve the country's education and health sectors.

Currently, the sense of nationalism had been eroded among the young generation. They are more proud of using attributes of other countries. They are more pleased to see the U.S., British or other countries' flags than our red-and-white flag.

Ferry Ahmad, 27, a resident in Palu:

I think independence can only be seen during the Aug. 17 festivities such as the flag-hoisting, parades, the visit to the cemetery of national heroes and traditional games.

Sulawesi people have not savored independence yet. Many people have to line up only for a few liters of fuel. My mother, for example, has to queue up for four hours to get five liters of kerosene. Worse still, we must show the coupon first to get it. So, have we gained independence?

The independence should have not only been enjoyed by the haves, the government officials and the elite.

Rofika, 24 a student at the Tadulako Palu University

The Independence Day ceremony commemorated every year on Aug. 17 is just a routine event. The celebration has no real meaning.

Everybody knows that the independence was gained by the hard work of our late heroes. I hope the government pays attention to our freedom fighters and their families by giving financial help. The country must responsible for them.

Trixie Noverel, a student at the Hasanuddin University, Makassar

The commemoration of the Independence Day seems to be a routine event. I admit there has been progress after 60 years of the independence, such as the freedom of speech. But I have not seen the real meaning of independence through what has been implemented by the government.

In the education sector, for example, students have to pay higher and higher school fees. This is a proof that the younger generations would find it difficult to continue their studies to a higher level.

We are eager to see changes in the education sector so more and more Indonesian people can receive better education.

In addition, the government policy such as on fuel prices had burdened the people. How can our people live in peace, if such a policy remains in place.

Ibnu Hajar, a chairman of the student executive body of the state-Islamic Alauddin University, Makassar.

I have not seen the real meaning of independence yet. The celebration in which the streets are decorated with red-and-white flags is only a routine activity. I think independence must touch the deepest core of the people.

There are still many problems that have not been able to be resolved by the government of President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, namely the economy, social affairs and the law enforcement. On the contrary, the government has issued policies that have compounded the people's burdens and created dissension in the community.

I hope this year's celebration can be used as a momentum to improve the country and people's welfare. We must go forward so that the independence can benefit people at all levels.

Hamdani Hataul, a resident at Honipopu subdistrict, Ambon.

True independence is not enjoyed by all people of Ambon. The government has not settled the refuge problem in Ambon. This can create resistance and pessimism among the people toward the current government.

In my opinion, we need to celebrate Independence Day to remember the struggle of our late heroes and to strengthen our sense of nationalism.

With regard to the conflict in Ambon, we, the young generation, need to support the ongoing reconciliation efforts to resolve the clash. "If we feel safe, we can achieve real independence".

Bobby G. Tianotak, a member of the Association of Islamic Students (HMI) in Ambon

Sixty years after the country gained independence, what have we got? Most of the Indonesian people are still poor and do not enjoy full independence. We are not yet free to do everything.

In my village in Seram district, there are no development projects. There are only four kilometer of asphalt roods that are in a poor condition. The local people rely on the sea transportation in their daily activities.

In addition, the basic needs such as education and health are still bad. As an independent country, all Indonesian people must get the same development programs. If the government still consider Maluku a part of Indonesia, it should enjoy equal treatment so that we can have a sense of belonging to the country.

The inequity has resulted to the appearance of separatist groups such as the Republic of South Maluku (RMS) and Maluku Sovereignty Front.

Dina Arianti, a student at Kristen University in Surabaya

Frankly speaking, I only know that Independence Day is celebrated on Aug. 17. But I don't know what is the real meaning of this independence.

I view the flag-hoisting ceremony to celebrate Independence Day as just a routine event.

Putu Prama, 25, a postgraduate student in Jakarta

As I see it, festive ceremonies or events held on Aug. 17 are only able to make children happy and senior citizens to reminisce over their struggle to free the nation from colonialism.

However, it is still important to keep celebrating the important date. At least, we, the younger generation will always be reminded to redefine what that date really means to us.

This kind of cliche commemoration does not only exist in Indonesia. Even in America, the 4th of July is only represented by fireworks.

Nationalism should be more than festivities or ceremonies. I only realized after studying abroad that I wanted to come back as soon as possible and make use of what I have learned in my own country.

I guess, deep inside, we still have that sense of nationalism.