Nation's coming of age

Nation's coming of age

I am writing in reference to the much-awaited event -- the
commemoration of 52 years of our Indonesian Republic. History
evidences its striding into the 52nd year of independence, but
the years taken to commemorate this event have done little to
enhance maturity of the Indonesian Republic. The nation solemnly
declares having built a democracy and establishing good lives for
the multitude. The nation is now on its way to celebrate 52 years
of independence, even as the good lives of our fellow Indonesians
were lost during the recent general elections.

Our nation was mourning the loss of people, and Indonesians
everywhere bottled up shame, anger and emotional grief for the
sake of the elections that just went by. This happened because
the elections were considered a frightening attraction more than
anything else. It did become one of the most frightening episodes
in the lives of the Indonesian people, and the misery caused in
the general elections was a political education in itself.

Tax-paying citizens were more dismayed than disappointed as
the political parties and security agencies failed to anticipate
the problems and overcome them, and fear and anxiety remained
unabated.

The chilling disturbances that never seemed to subside in time
left the Indonesian people feeling restless, terribly worried and
imprisoned in their own cities.

Even though the campaigning may seem vital, it should teach
the parties that arrange these campaigns to follow in the step of
democratic nations who exercise control over campaigning with
exactness.

H. IFRODY SUKANTO

Jakarta