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75 years and counting
Many would agree that 75 years of age is a hallmark. The government and the public at large might have planned a more festive Independence Day celebration this year, until the pandemic came.
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The youth of state defense carry Indonesian flags to commemorate 75th Indonesia's Independence Day which falls on August 17, at a mountain of garbage in Banda Aceh on August 16, 2020. (AFP/CHAIDEER MAHYUDDIN )
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one are the joyful cheers of children and adults that used to mark pole climbing competitions in many neighborhood communities across the country, and the grandiosity of the flag-raising ceremony at the Merdeka Palace in Jakarta. Like never before, Indonesians from Sabang to Merauke commemorated the anniversary of their independence in a simple way.
The government has warned people against holding big and festive celebrations of the national day for fear they would exacerbate the spread of COVID-19, which has infected more than 139,500 people, killing over 6,150 of them.
On Monday, the flag-hoisting ceremony to observe the momentous proclamation of Indonesia’s independence was conducted at the Presidential Palace in compliance with health protocols: only a small number of guests were invited, musical performances were pre-recorded and the national flag-hoisting squad was reduced to only eight – all members of last year’s team.
Most state officials and dignitaries, including former presidents Megawati Soekarnoputri and Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, joined the ceremony via video conference.
In fact, in practice the Independence Day commemoration went online. Students, civil servants and other regular participants of the ceremony were asked to follow the event virtually from home.
The mode of simplicity, apart from being a necessity to prevent virus transmission, is an ideal reminder of the great minds behind the birth of the Republic, who defied limitations and restrictions to define the future journey of people of diverse ethnicities, cultures and beliefs as one nation 75 years ago.
Sukarno and Mohammad Hatta, two prominent young figures at that time, proclaimed Indonesia’s independence without fanfare in a ceremony at Sukarno’s house on Aug. 17, 1945 at 10 a.m. It happened during Ramadan, when Muslims across the world, including Sukarno and those in attendance, were fasting. Sukarno moved the venue of the independence proclamation from Ikada Square to his house due to security concerns, given that Japan, despite its surrender to the Allies, remained in control in the archipelago.
The independence proclamation was drafted at the house of a Japanese admiral and was typewritten using a borrowed typing machine. The red and white flag was sewn together by Sukarno’s wife Fatmawati and hoisted on a bamboo pole on the historic day.
Many would agree that 75 years of age is a hallmark. The government and the public at large might have planned a more festive Independence Day celebration this year, until the pandemic came.
There should be no regret for seeing COVID-19 spoil the 75th anniversary of independence. The pandemic has in fact hurt all nations and threatened to impoverish millions, including in Indonesia, as a result.
In a more pessimistic scenario, the pandemic could cancel out the progress Indonesia has made after 75 years of existence the way the health crisis has wrought havoc on many big corporations. Indonesia, however, has proved its resilience in a number of crises and should pass the daunting test this time around.
While the struggle to gain independence is already part of history, the fighting spirit of our founding fathers is a long-lasting legacy that will help us cope with today’s challenges.
