Spirit of solidarity needed

Spirit of solidarity needed

From Rakyat Merdeka

Observing an important event in the history of national
struggle must not be construed as boasting with mere slogans and
nostalgia of the struggle.

We thank God that the Indonesian people with their distinct
plurality have tapped their rich experience in struggle to
respond wisely and appropriately, in an increasingly transparent
atmosphere, to the challenges and the opportunities that the
present era poses by prioritizing national integrity above
anything else.

On March 1, 52 years ago, an attack on Dutch colonial forces
was launched in Yogyakarta, then the capital city of the Republic
of Indonesia. Launching the spirit of "Freedom or Death", this
attack brought together all national potentials and forged a
strong solidarity among all national elements.

This spectacular attack, later known as "Yogya Returns", has
its strategic significance in the history of the Indonesian
people's struggle. It heralded the struggle to restore the
territorial integrity and establish the authority of the
government of the Republic of Indonesia.

This effort was based on a strong fighting spirit and the
unity of the Indonesian military and people of all social strata
and age groups. This strong unity, boosted by a strong fighting
spirit, successfully broke the weakest link in the strategy
adopted by the colonial rulers.

A struggle is never-ending. We are a nation of fighters. We
fight to create and foster a life which all mankind can enjoy.

R. SOEPRIYADI

Jakarta