Nationalism should be more than just flag-raising ceremonies
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.