Indonesia’s celebration of its National Independence Day has now reached its 71st year. The red-and-white flag can be seen flying proudly from homes across the country. We should rightfully honor the heroes who fought for Indonesia’s independence. Soekarno, Mohammad Hatta, Mohammad Yamin, M. Natsir, and many other national heroes fought to free Indonesia from colonial rule. The independence achieved by these founding fathers marked a historic turning point for the nation. One well-known statement attributed to Indonesia’s first President, Ir. Soekarno, reads: “My struggle was easier because I fought the colonizers, but your struggle will be harder because you will be fighting your own people.” This raises an important question for all of us: have we truly achieved independence from conflicts among our own people?
A country that collectively identifies itself as a sovereign nation will inevitably face various challenges. In Indonesia, these challenges emerge across many sectors, ranging from political and governmental affairs, legal issues within society, and the sluggish national economy to cultural erosion and social conflicts. Such problems have spread across many parts of the country. This situation clearly reflects the various national issues arising from facts and events occurring throughout Indonesia. The resulting losses are substantial for the people, while the national goals of protecting the nation, promoting public welfare, advancing education, and contributing to world order have yet to be fully realized.
These facts and events can be traced through a series of national and local news reports that have emerged in the media throughout 2016. Cases of sexual violence against children and women, concerns over public health such as counterfeit medicines and vaccines, as well as bribery and corruption among government officials, further highlight the weaknesses in our political and legal systems. Meanwhile, the tax sector has become one of the government’s areas of focus amid declining state revenues. The tax amnesty program launched by the government has yet to meet its target. At the local level, social conflicts have also emerged, with communities in areas such as Yogyakarta struggling to address conflicts of economic interests involving groups that justify their actions in the name of development.
From a student’s perspective, the author argues that Indonesia has not yet achieved complete independence. The nation still needs to undertake fundamental changes to address these challenges. One active approach to overcoming these problems is to fully embrace the spirit of independence and translate it into meaningful action. This spirit should also foster optimism and a commitment to positive change. There are two key recommendations that can be put forward. First, attitudes and behaviors rooted in the principles of mental revolution should be cultivated through education, beginning within the family and extending to the surrounding community, schools, and workplaces. Each of these environments should promote responsible behavior and mutual respect. Second, people should be encouraged, supported, and accompanied in working together through the spirit of gotong royong to care about and contribute to resolving the issues facing society. Long live Indonesia! (Gabriel Cahya Anugrah) This article was published in Koran Sindo on Wednesday, August 31, 2016, in the “Poros Mahasiswa” column, page 7.
