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