'We have not gained our freedom'

'We have not gained our freedom'

In conjunction with the upcoming celebration of the country's
58th Independence Day, many people are eager for the festivities.
Others told The Jakarta Post that they felt they did not live in
an independent country as it lacks leadership. The hardship of
life, insecure conditions and conflicts have made them wonder
whether or not they are independent people.

Santi, 28, is an employee with a publishing company in
Mampang, South Jakarta. She lives nearby with her husband and
son:

Independence means we are free from foreign imperialism. In my
opinion, the independence celebration is still relevant to me.

It is a time for us to recall and appreciate how the national
heroes struggled through death and life for freedom.

Besides, I like the celebration as there are many entertaining
competitions to mark the event. At least, the fun will make
children happy.

It is true that there is no freedom as people find it hard to
look for a job, let alone the security climate following the
terrorist attacks. In this respect, we have not yet gained our
freedom.

So, we have got our physical freedom, but psychologically we
are not yet free from fear and worry due to the uncertain
situation.

However, I would say the reform era has worsened the country.
The government is very open and democratic in accommodating
people.

As a result, people are too happy to abuse such kinds of
freedom. They use the open opportunities even to commit
irrational acts, including suicide bombing.

It never happened during the era of former president Soeharto.
Nobody had the guts to resort to terror acts. And, the oppressive
regime would soon identify the alleged suspects.

Pelo (not his real name), 31, is an employee with a private
company in East Jakarta. He lives in Jl. Pramuka, East Jakarta
with his wife and daughter:

Frankly, I didn't even remember that we were celebrating our
Independence Day this week. I forgot to raise the flag at home
until somebody told me.

I have been overwhelmed by fear of the series of bombings. It
seems that death is everywhere and ready to claim our lives.

In my opinion, being independent is free from foreign
imperialist as it was years ago. Nonetheless, our country has
been left far behind by other newly independent countries.

What is the meaning of independence if in fact many people
remain living in long lasting misery? I don't think it is what
our heroes meant by being independent.

Worse, we now face the new imperialists who come from our own
country. Well, in terms of economy, it is our government that
sells our sovereignty to foreign countries.

We are not free or independent because we are still fighting
for a better economy and facing war against other ideologies from
the radical groups.

Leni, 30, is an employee with a non-governmental organization
in Jl. Jend. Sudirman, South Jakarta. She lives in Bekasi with
her family:

I wonder what the Aug. 17 celebration is for. It was
meaningful when I was a child as I could enjoy the fun games.

But now, the era has been downgraded due to the very poor
government. Almost all leaders are failing the people.

They govern the country on behalf of their own vested
interests, rather than the people's interests. Individual and
group interests are much more prioritized now.

I remember when Soeharto's reign ended, I had a hope for a
better future of the country. But, in fact the condition is
getting worse now.

The new leaders have worsened the situation. I feel skeptical
about the recent situation.

If I may say frankly, I am not too proud of our own country
regardless of the independence status here.

-- Leo Wahyudi S.