Recognition of independence

Recognition of independence

As a simple man with a simple way of thinking and life-style,
I sometimes get confused when reading different kinds of
newspapers, simply because I cannot understand all the comments
made by the people.

For example, why do we make such a fuss about whether the
Dutch should recognize Aug. 17, 1945 as the start of our
independence or not. We proclaimed our independence on Aug. 17,
1945 and that stands. We have never asked other nations'
permission to proclaim our independence. This is entirely the
decision of the Indonesian nation. Whether the Dutch recognizes
it or not does not make any difference. We are not going to be
poorer or richer, with Dutch recognition.

If Bung Karno were still alive, he would perhaps say "to hell
with that recognition." We have been independent since Aug. 17,
1945. And that is final. There are so many constructive and
practical things to discuss and work out. We should guide our
energies towards sorting them out.

Also, so many things are said about Indonesian communists
(PKI): "We cannot forgive the PKI, we must still be on the alert
against a PKI comeback." Why? I don't understand. Why do we make
such a fuss about a dead horse. PKI was declared dead, and it has
been dead de facto and de jure since March 12, 1966 and will stay
dead. If the national leaders caution the people for a possible
comeback of communism, that my simple mind can accept. But with
so many intelligence bodies in Indonesia, acting as the eyes and
ears of the government, we need not be afraid. We have a mighty
weapon and that is Pancasila, which has, several times, proven
its power.

Besides that, we have a solid economy. Look around you and you
will find that this is not empty propaganda, but reality. If we
can widen the openness of our society (openness with
responsibility), then the government can hear and study the beat
of the hearts of the people.

On the use of foreign terms I have the following comments. Why
do we like to use foreign terms so much, while there exist
Indonesian equivalents. Sometimes, they even use foreign terms
wrongly. Once I read in an article in a local newspaper:
REKAPITULASI Jepang, while in fact it should be KAPITULASI
Jepang, which means Japanese surrender. Musisi instead of musikus
or pemain musik, and akademisi instead of cendekiawan. The list
is long, but these examples suffice to clarify the point.

SOEGIH ARTO

Jakarta