To be a nation
To be a nation
Another Independence Day approaches, and Indonesians across
the country engage in customary flag-waving and community
celebrations. Such is the routine of this annual event -- the
59th in Indonesia's history -- that most take it for granted.
After the political turmoil and economic hardship of the last
few years, many of us just hope to get by, forgetting that our
forefathers' sacrifice may have been as great, if not greater,
than the challenges of the past six years.
We sometimes forget that our independence -- the very essence
of humanity -- was achieved after the shedding of much blood and
tears. Not just over six years, but a relentless effort of
generations.
While the present generation may never fully understand the
sacrifice of their forefathers, it does not mean that we should
forget them. In a similar vein, while there is much to dislike
about the current state of events and actions of the nation's
political elite, it should not by any means lessen underlying
love for this blessed country.
Birthdays and the turn of the year are always poignant moments
for reflection. Certainly there is much to exasperate us as we
recount the troubles ailing the nation.
Economic and social injustice continue to prevail, leaving the
nation even farther from its constitutional ideal of creating a
"just and civilized society".
The country, in many respects, is failing to provide basic
necessities for its people. Some 16 million children do not
receive any kind of formal education, while millions more people
are living at subsistence level. Even average life expectancy and
the literacy rate have dropped. Not surprisingly, the latest UN
Human Development Report listed Indonesia as among the bottom
third in a list of 177 countries.
The nation's forefathers would likely share our discontent at
this state of affairs. But how would they respond when looking at
their country as it ends its sixth decade of independence?
They would likely be satisfied that this young nation, in
spite of wealth disparities, has moved beyond mere subsistence.
They would sigh with relief that the territorial vision of
Indonesia Raya remains intact, despite the wide range of
ethnicities that exist across the archipelago.
They would grin at the current political predicaments, as they
recall their own crises and ideological battles.
They would also glare with envy at the abundance of wealth
produced by our natural resources.
Constitutional-legal debates, the political division of
society and issues of separatism are cycles in history. Fate
often dooms the next generation to repeat the mistakes of its
fathers. But this generation of Indonesia is, at least,
acknowledging and attempting to correct much of the malady of the
past. The introduction of a new political system, constitutional
amendments and a more accountable government through direct
elections are baby steps in the formation of a more mature
nation. For this, we, and even our forefathers, should be proud.
There are, of course, a host of reasons not to be a proud of
this country, many of which we have highlighted earlier. But our
determination to take the difficult road to create a more humane
society is a triumph that few nations have dared to emulate.
As we quietly commemorate Independence Day at home with our
families, it is worthwhile remembering that while the nation may
still not provide for millions of its sons and daughters, it
promises hope, the benefits of which will, perhaps, be reaped by
the nation's grandchildren.