Letter: Lifting up patriotism

This article is very true (“A nation is a prophecy in quest of self-fulfillment,” by B. Herry-Priyono, The Jakarta Post, Aug. 16, p. 2).

Once I believed that corruption could only end when everyone had felt its negative effects, but patriotism is just such a personal “high”. For once I am swayed to think that maybe it can be a perfect antidote.

But in my opinion, history is only worthy of personal reflection. Toward problem solving we should always be proactive and make solid efforts to realize what we envision as ideal.

I believe it is entirely possible to inspire patriotism in every one of 200 million Indonesians because they are all human beings, complete with all emotions. The responsibility then falls on the government, which with their huge resources, should seek ways to lift the citizens sense of patriotism.

So is the somber national day just because of Ramadhan? Outrageous really! I mean do we have 10 Independence Days and national scale flag raisings a year? I say to participate in spite of Ramadhan and fasting would be the ultimate display of nationalism!

For your information, dear leaders, this is make or break time. Just while your economic wheel is turning, the government should try to overturn the situation.

No outdoor competitions? Grand festive convoys around town then. I mean really, in some ways Soeharto really had more brains.

They never neglected the potential of the people and perhaps they have reacted negatively but at least they noticed.

Indra
Jakarta