Soeharto wants nationalism reinvigorated

JAKARTA (JP): President Soeharto yesterday appealed to the people to reinvigorate their sense of nationalism amidst the current rapid global change, but warned against chauvinism.

"Our national vision must not turn us into dwarfs because we live in a community of nations," Soeharto said in keynote address to a seminar on nationalism. "On the other hand, our national vision must not be overpowered by global changes. Without a national vision, we will lose our identity."

"That is why we should continuously invigorate our sense of nationalism because this way we can answer the challenges and opportunities ahead of us," he said in the three-day seminar organized by Golkar, the ruling political organization.

The seminar is a prelude to the government's plan to pronounce the beginning of what it calls the Second National Awakening when it marks the annual National Awakening Day on May 20.

The day marks the founding of Budi Utomo in 1908, the first nationalist movement when Indonesia remained under the Dutch colonial government. This movement later snowballed into the struggle for independence. Indonesia proclaimed its independence in 1945.

Taking part are all top central and regional executives of Golkar, the military's top brass, government leaders as well as public figures.

Soeharto said that a strong sense of nationalism is also essential to ensure the success of the Second Long Term (25 year) Development which began on April 1.

"During this period, we're resolved to strengthen our independence and also make up for backwardness compared to other countries," Soeharto said. "We realize that this is quite a heavy task. That's why I'm asking for your participation from all of us, without any exception."

Another reason for Indonesia to strengthen its sense of nationalism is because separatist movements are now rising in many countries, leading to bloodshed and the breaking up of nations, he said.

Soeharto said that the kind of nationalism that should be developed in Indonesia has to be based on the state ideology Pancasila.

It should abhor domination or suppression by any group over others and all forms of discrimination; it opposes all forms of separatism, whether it is based on ethnicity or religion; and it opposes feudalism and dictatorship.

"The national vision compels us to strive to create a society that is prosperous and just," he said.

A host of government ministers and experts are scheduled to address the seminar to look at nationalism from different perspectives such as domestic politics, culture, economics, foreign policy and the military and national defense.

Gen. (ret) Soerono, one of the first speakers yesterday, made a case for the preservation of "1945 values" -- a reference to the values of the freedom fighters -- to keep the nation united.

"The preservation of these values is a must even for future generations," said Soerono, himself a member of the Generation of 1945 freedom fighters.

He proposed that these values be taught at school.

He also called on the nation to learn from its ancient history, how past kingdoms degenerated and then disappeared because of their lack of a sense of nationalism.

National Development Planning Minister Ginandjar Kartasasmita said that the globalization process is putting a test to nationalism and the way to counter the pressure will be by moving forwards with greater openness. (prs)