W

e are never bored with commemorating the National Awakening, the rise of Indonesian people's struggle to break out of the shackles of colonialism.

However, should the various ceremonial warnings be an inspiration for the progress of Indonesia?

National revival and reformation are two events that are considered identical in the history of this nation. Both constituted a passion to save the nation from the state of Dutch colonialism and the authoritarianism of the New Order regime.

The demand to rise up and stand together for the people of Indonesia after reformation was higher than when Budi Utomo was established on May 20, 1908. But the rampant fight among the political elite did not demonstrate a culture of excellence that offered intelligence and enlightenment, but rather the noise of the toned interests of politicians and political parties.

Reflections on 15 years of reform show deviation as a source of political parties' obstacle to change. Many things have failed.

Political parties should be the aggregation of the interests of the people, creating a leadership of people's power, and build change. Political parties see power only as power, not for the public interest. Political parties and political gains interest the ruling elite. Social welfare is still far below expectations.

However, reform has not completely failed. There has been progress in a number of areas. Among other things, freedom of the press, direct elections and the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK).

Aberrant parties must be stopped. Parties must come out of the current corrupt circles of power and return to the political objective of improving the welfare of the people. Fundamental reform of political parties should be made in advance.

It is time again we stood up, and ran together to make changes, resolve issues and pursue advancement of the nation; not only political party elites, but all components of the nation.

Teguh Pujonugroho,
Madiun, East Java