U.S. Independence Day

U.S. Independence Day

I often ask myself as an Indonesian why is it that every time I hear the American national anthem, I feel as if something inside me, a spirit of renewal and resolution, is born. Perhaps as was also experienced by the founding fathers of this republic, American ideals of liberty and the right of every citizen to pursue happiness and the freedom of worship have never ceased to appeal to people with democratic aspirations.

I experienced the same sensation when I attended the 228th U.S. Independence Day commemoration on July 3 (July 4 was a Sunday) at the Regent Hotel in Jakarta. The presence of former president Jimmy Carter on the occasion made the function more colorful, although his visit had more to do with the presidential election and his work with the Carter Center.

It was only a pity that massive security precautions had to be taken by the Indonesian police to scare off anybody who might plan to spoil the evening by throwing explosives instead of fireworks.

It was a bit scary when cars were searched four times by different squads and had to pass through a tight security cordon before being allowed to enter the hotel compound. Inside the hotel a maze of other security measures for detection of unwanted objects was set up. I could only guess how many security agents there were, Indonesian and American.

I, for one, feel as if America has changed and has not always been an example of success in recent times, particularly in foreign policy matters such as in the Iraqi campaign for which so many Americans have given their lives prematurely. American thinking has not been too well understood by its allies and admirers.

GANDHI SUKARDI Jakarta