Riding a motorbike without a helmet, that's freedom

Residents are busy gearing up for the country's 58th anniversary of its independence that falls on Aug. 17. Many residents expressed their indifference to the festivities calling it meaningless. The Jakarta Post spoke to several people about what independence means to them.

Ismail, 29, is a shop attendant at a shopping center in Kalibata, South Jakarta. He lives nearby with friends:

I don't think that we are living in an independent country. Not at all! The celebration of Independence Day means nothing at all to me.

Indeed we are free from foreign occupation. But, we are not free from oppression.

The domination by foreign countries of our economy is obvious proof that we are not an independent country. Advanced countries intervene in our domestic affairs in terms of our economy.

Global conditions have in many ways led to an economic slump among all nations. It is tough now to survive.

In addition, the very poor law enforcement has prevented us from advancing. Money speaks in terms of the law.

Justice sides with people who can afford it. There is no justice for the poor.

Worse, the absence of law enforcement gives terrorists the chance to attack the nation since our security apparatus has not been able to crack down on them.

So, I guess I am not wrong in saying that we are not free from fear and worry. It's ironical in this so-called independent country, isn't it?

Trisno, 57, is a street vendor who sells hot coffee in Bulungan, South Jakarta. He lives in Petukangan, South Jakarta with his wife and daughter:

I don't know whether or not we have gained freedom. In fact, our nationalist fighters defeated the colonial powers and proclaimed the country's independence 58 years ago.

However, I keep wondering why people's lives have not improved. Life is even tougher particularly for those from the lower income bracket like me.

As far as I know, the people are the main elements of a country and the government should have involved all people in the nation's development.

But in fact, it's completely different now. The government puts aside the people and destroys the country through their thoughtless and greedy deeds.

Our government seems to hurt the peoples' hearts rather than help improve their lives. This would not have happened to us if we truly lived in an independent country.

There are many smart people in the country, but they are tricky and deceive those who are not as smart.

Independence Day has lost its meaning, I think. The only way to be free is to be thankful for the simplest things we achieve in a day.

Bryan (not his real name), 27, is a tattoo artist operating in Blok M, South Jakarta. He lives in Petukangan, South Jakarta with his wife and son:

Who said that we have become independent? I don't feel that I live in an independent country at all.

In a way, it is true that the country was freed from the Dutch occupation after the country's founders fought for it.

But, then after gaining independence, conditions in the country have worsened. We are not free from fear of the threat of terrorist attacks.

So, I guess I'm not wrong in questioning whether I live in an independent country, right?

The self-serving government has ruined the country so that life is tougher now. It makes the commemoration of Independence Day meaningless.

One thing for sure is that I will feel that freedom on Aug. 17, because I can go anywhere to conduct my business without any fear of the city public order officers.

That will be a truly free day for me to pass through thoroughfares without wearing a helmet. I will be free to choose a location to open my tattoo stand. I plan to move to Ragunan zoo as there will be many domestic tourists there.

Being free like that is far more meaningful to me. That's what I call independence.

-- Leo Wahyudi S.