Independence Day Is Also a Call to Action
By Jakarta Globe on 11:26 am August 16, 2013.
Category Editorial, Opinion
Tags: Indonesia Independence Day
The mark of success for any nation is how well its people are doing economically, socially and morally. All of these factors determine one’s living standards. And on all these fronts, Indonesians are better off today than they were 15 years ago.
As the nation celebrates its 68th birthday, it can stand tall in the community of nations. The country is a member of the G-20, a group of the largest economies in the world; it is the third-largest democracy in the world and a fast-growing market. Its people are among the happiest anywhere.
As President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono notes, the country’s ethnic and religious diversity is one of its strengths. But for us to leverage this strength, we must promote greater tolerance and social harmony, which have been eroded in recent years.
Indonesia, many citizens think, is now free, and its people are also free. But looking around us, the country is still held in bondage by a host of problems and challenges. These include poverty, poor education, poor healthcare and lack of infrastructure.
Addressing and solving these problems will take leadership, commitment and resolve. It will require sacrifices and some tough decisions which might lead to short-term pain.
On Independence Day, many people also remember those who have fought and spilled blood for the country. The term “heroes” calls to mind those who fought and won independence for the nation nearly seven decades ago. But in truth, we need new kinds of heroes today: individuals who can take the lead in many diverse fields and have lives that younger Indonesians can look up to as role models.
Independence Day is a time to celebrate the nation’s achievements as much as it is a time to reflect on what lies ahead. We have come far as a nation, but we still have a long road ahead of us.
Editorial: Independence Day Is Also a Call to Action - The Jakarta Globe
Happy independence Day for all of Indonesian People, may the better road of success and harmony comes ahead all of us.