Soeharto wants nationalism reinvigorated

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)