'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.