'We must work hard for Our better future'

'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.