Play original proclamation text

Play original proclamation text

From Rakyat Merdeka

Since the New Order regime up until last year's celebration of Indonesia's Independence Day, on every Aug. 17 the proclamation of independence text has been read by the speaker of House of Representatives.

In this era of reform, the spirit embodied in the proclamation should be rekindled and kept very much alive, especially to remind some who wish to break this country apart, without regard nor respect for the sacrifices of our freedom fighters and former national leaders in acquiring our independence after 350 years of colonization.

In consideration of this, instead of the voice of the House speaker, I suggest that the recording containing the original voice of our first president Sukarno be played again, preceded by the sound of a siren and a gun salute.

I am sure the baritone voice of Sukarno, which reverberated throughout Indonesia and the world at the time, will strengthen the spirit of nationalism and minimize any possibilities of disintegration.

What the Speaker should read after the above is a kind of a Declaration of Resolution, stating the promise to undertake our independence with continuous efforts of development in every sector by all, according to our profession.

I hope that my suggestion will be seriously considered by the Independence Celebration Committee, as the next celebration date is fast approaching.

ACHMAD YUNUS

Pontianak, West Kalimantan