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Anniversary: People urged to keep cheering up spirit of nationalism
The celebrations of Indonesia's Independence Day this year may be void of open-air cheerfulness, but the festivities should nevertheless continue to serve as a reminder about the need to foster kinship and a spirit of patriotism.
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he celebrations of Indonesia's Independence Day this year may be void of open-air cheerfulness, but the festivities should nevertheless continue to serve as a reminder about the need to foster kinship and a spirit of patriotism, state defense experts say.
A group of youths at a residential complex in Depok, West Java, went door to door to raise funds for the organization of an anniversary celebration.
They had on them a bunch of documents describing the planned event, including background information on its organization and budgeting and a list of planned activities.
“After being colonized for a long time, finally, on 17 August 1945, the people of Indonesia declared their independence, and the whole world recognized the Republic of Indonesia as a unitary state. Activities to commemorate Indonesian independence are carried out every year to remember and express appreciation for the services of heroes, their persistence and valor in fighting the invaders by sacrificing their lives,” says the preamble of the proposal.
Unlike last year’s celebrations, the list of activities leaves out tug-of-war contests, crackers-eating competitions or marble-on-spoon races, as the residential COVID-19 task force opposes open-air activities, as recommended by the municipal authorities through a circular.
Instead, the planned games are all online, and they include a draw and doodle guessing game.
“We are sorting out images of a number of national heroes for the quiz,” head organizer Fachrul said.
A neighborhood in Tangerang, Banten, has also been forced to adjust their anniversary program.
“We are not going to hold fun games at all. A tumpengan (thanksgiving ceremony marked with cone-shaped rice servings), which we traditionally do every year, is not on the cards either,” neighborhood member Nuraziz said.
“We just collected funds from the residents to buy flags and lamps,” he said.
While encouraging people to decorate their neighborhoods, a circular by the Depok municipal administration calls on people to refrain from games or contests that could draw crowds.
The ban has been issued in the wake of a recent finding of a COVID-19 positive case at a shopping center, which has forced 75 employees to self-isolate.
The ceremony at the State Palace on Aug. 17 will also be different this year and is set to feature only the President, Vice President, People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) chairman, Religious Affairs Minister, National Police chief and Indonesian Military chief.
Other Cabinet ministers and regional heads are to follow the ceremony online. People are allowed to join the virtual program by registering through pandangistana.setneg.go.id, which accommodates 17,845 slots.
Spirit of nationalism
Haryo B. Rahmadi, an expert staff member with the National Defense Council, looks to the anniversary moment, colloquially referred to as Agustusan, through the macro lens of the national interest.
“Agustusan is actually a moment to monitor and evaluate whether our nation and state are still on a trajectory that matches the ideals of independence. It serves as an occasion for the state to express their appreciation to citizens for their contributions to the nation,” he said.
The anniversary celebrations are seen not only as a moment for the nation to reflect on the deeds of forefathers for the sake of instilling a spirit of patriotism among later generation but also to highlight the need to respect human rights in global affairs.
“In the context of national development today, which necessitates cooperation among nations in pooling resources, nationalism is becoming more relevant.
“Stories about past heroism featuring figures such as Idjon Djanbi, John Lie or Bob Earl Freeberg show how inclusive Indonesian nationalism has long been,” he said, referring to three national heroes who, given their background, would not have fought for Indonesia during the era of colonialism had patriotism not been included.
“It must not be forgotten that nationalism is the essence of the second principle of Pancasila, which carries the message that respecting humanity necessitates respecting the existence of a nation, realized in the scheme of justice and civility,” he said.
Lecturer Andrea Abdul Rahman pointed out the need to address issues of ethnicity, religion and race in building nationalism.
“The spirit of nationalism is one of the foundations that shore up our efforts to realize the dreams and hopes of all Indonesians as a nation to keep progressing, in turbulent times or peaceful conditions like today,” he said.
He cautioned about what he called “blind nationalism”, which might arise from stirring up issues of ethnicity, religion or race.
“However, it should be noted that the spirit of nationalism must be balanced with sanity and the ability to employ measured and sensible approaches, so as not to lose its sanctity,” said Andre, who teaches international relations at Budi Luhur University and observes state defense affairs.
“Blind nationalism is a nationalism rooted in ethnicity, religion and race that will eliminate inclusiveness, especially if it is affixed with an economic background, politics and class system, such as the nationalism of the Nazi or nationalism à la [United States] President [Donald] Trump,” said.
The pandemic is dampening open celebrations of the anniversary, but the festive mood must be preserved to keep the spirit of nationalism aglow.
“We should be wary when the festive mood fades,” Haryo said.
