Letter: The destiny of Indonesia

Fri, 11/13/2009 2:18 PM  |  Opinion

In a reference to an article "Berlin Wall and the separatist movement in RI," (The Jakarta Post, Nov. 10), I would say that the reunification of Germany was based on a common (first) language, culture and history. Indonesia does not have such a common (first) language, culture and history.

The reunification of Germany did not start the integration of Europe. In fact, the first and most important step of this integration happened thanks to the fact that Germany was divided. As with a strong and united Germany, the other powers would have been too anxious to abandon parts of their sovereignty and, even now in the European Union, national interests ultimately come first.

This is no United States of Europe. Even the United States could only be united after a very bloody war. It was not Sukarno who "united" Indonesia.

RI was based on the Dutch (East) Indies. Some parts like Western Papua were even missing the first decades and if, for instance, the Dutch and English hadn't have traded Malacca and parts of Sumatra, then perhaps peninsular Malaysia would now be part of RI and Sumatra not.

Much of the territory of RI has to do with historical chance, and less with being one people. Of course, this can change over time and Indonesians can identify themselves as Indonesian first - not Javanese, Balinese, Chinese, Muslim, Christian, etc. This process was started by Sukarno and his associates but it is even an understatement to say that it is far from finished.

Thus, the acquisition of East-Timor, Irian Jaya and even Aceh had nothing in common with the peaceful reunification of Germany - accomplished by the people and for the people - but more with Dutch or Portuguese imperialism.

The destiny of Indonesia depends on its ability to keep on creating a common identity across the different cultures and religions. But perhaps nationalists should ask themselves the question what is the goal of their nationalism. Is it not the prosperity of the peoples?

Nationalism as a tool should reinvent its dogmas from time to time. For example, a closer association with other ASEAN states may perhaps be a better structure in the future.

Paolo L Scalpini
Toulouse, France

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