Joyful Celebrations of Independence

FRANSISCA NATALIA ANGGRAENI UNTUK KOMPAS

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The 73^rd anniversary of Indonesia’s independence was commemorated joyfully across the archipelago on Friday (17/8/2018). People expressed their enthusiasm in various ways.

At the State Palace in Jakarta, President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo, Vice President Jusuf Kalla, ministers, state officials and guests wore traditional costumes during a flag-hoisting ceremony. House of Representatives Speaker Bambang Soesatyo, Regional Representatives Council (DPD) Speaker Oesman Sapta Odang and People’s Consultative Assembly (MPR) Speaker Zulkifli Hasan were seen among the attendees.

KOMPAS/WAWAN H PRABOWO

A ceremony to commemorate Indonesian Independence Day at Merdeka Palace in Jakarta on Friday (17/8/2018).

Former presidents BJ Habibie (May 21, 1998 – Oct. 20, 1999) and Megawati Soekarnoputri (July 23, 2001 – Oct. 20, 2004) attended the ceremony with their respective children. They warmly welcomed one another in a perfect moment captured by journalists. The families of founding fathers Sukarno and Mohammad Hatta were also present.

The meeting of figures with opposing political views is a cause for joy. Political differences may disrupt personal relationships but they should never be obstacles for meetings in important moments such as Independence Day celebrations. A so-called “Presidents Club”, like the one in the United States, should be realized in Indonesia. Independence Day celebrations are perfect moments to initiate something like this. Perhaps more time is still needed before such a club can be established here. Cordiality and harmony between political elites will hugely impact relationships between common people.

The decision to wear traditional costumes reaffirmed the diverse wealth of Indonesia’s cultures. Outside the palace, joyful celebrations were seen everywhere. In kampungs in Jakarta and other cities, locals celebrated the day in their own unique ways. The reigning spirit was mutual assistance. Even those affected by the recent earthquakes in Lombok, West Nusa Tenggara, held a flag ceremony. Other regions, such as Palu in Central Sulawesi, Palembang in South Sumatra and Papua, as well as border regions, joined in the celebrations.

Independence celebration is a powerful momentum for a reflection of Indonesia’s vastness and diversity. They joyful celebrations, through its unique expressions, convey a message of the importance of unity between fellow Indonesians. We should strive to prevent any wish to undermine our fabrics of nationalism. The desire to live together as a nation under the state ideology of Pancasila found a driving force when Indonesia was chosen to host the 2018 Asian Games.

KOMPAS/HERU SRI KUMORO

The Gelora Bung Karno sports complex in Central Jakarta will be used as the main venue of the 2018 Asian Games opening ceremony on Saturday (18/8/2018).

It is truly a historic coincidence that the Asian Games opening ceremony is held at the Gelora Bung Karno (GBK) sports complex on Saturday evening, just one day after Independence Day celebrations. Jakarta and Palembang will co-host the international sports event from Aug. 18 to Sept. 2 this year. Now is the moment for political elites and social media buzzers to contribute towards a successful Asian Games – in organization, achievement and events administration.

It will be good for us to set aside our rivalry in the 2019 political contestations and work together to create a political calmness for the sake of a successful 2018 Asian Games. Happy birthday, Indonesia.