'We must work hard for Our better future'

The city has just commemorated the 57th anniversary of the country's independence. However, many people feel they are not free enough to determine or decide the best for their lives.

Legiman, 42, is a Yogyakarta-born soft drinks trader in Ancol, North Jakarta. He has been living in Jakarta for 15 years. The father of two now resides in Bekasi:

Don't ask me what Independence Day means for poor people like myself. Frankly speaking, the word "independence" means nothing to me. I have never felt truly independent in my daily life, which is continuously exposed to threats from city public order officers.

The main message of Independence Day is freedom, isn't it? I think all people have the right to work and earn a living here in Jakarta.

In such prolonged economic hardship, the government should provide more leeway to the public to look for their own ways to make a living rather than just imposing bans. At least, if it (the government) is unable to reduce unemployment, it shouldn't disturb newly expanding businesses.

On the Independence Day festivities here, I think it is just a waste of state money. It would be better if the money was distributed to the poor.

Wagiyo, 30, works in a factory in Karawang, West Java. He has been living in Sunter, North Jakarta for six years. He comes from Tegal, Central Java:

What do I hope of Independence Day? I hope that our country can develop so we won't lag behind other countries.

Frankly speaking, in many cases, especially economic affairs, our country remains easily dictated to by more developed countries. We are not independent enough to determine our own development.

Low-income earners, like myself, are often sacrificed in the name of securing capital investment. Many friends of mine have been dismissed because they have called for a wage hike.

The government should take greater attention to the fate of its people. That's what I hope on Independence Day.

Rini, 22, is an employee of a shipping company in Kota, West Jakarta. The university graduate was a student activist:

Independence Day? Are we really independent? What kind of independence are you talking about?

You can see many festivities around the country on Independence Day. But can you find the same enthusiasm among hundreds of thousands of job seekers here? No wonder the number of street vendors increases everyday.

Frankly speaking, I don't think celebrating should be mandatory these days. We must work hard for our future. We could use all the money we spend on the celebrations to help others, such as those living in poverty.