The pandemic makes it appear as if the achievement of independent aspirations would be even more remote. However, various circles are optimistic that the objectives can be realized by prioritizing national interests.
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KOMPAS TEAM
·4 minutes read
KOMPAS/AGUS SUSANTO
Health workers and Covid-19 patients raise their hands in respect to the red and white flag during a ceremony to celebrate the 76th Independence Day of the Republic of Indonesia at the Covid-19 Emergency Hospital (RSDC) Wisma Atlet Kemayoran, Jakarta, Tuesday (17/8/2021). The current occupancy rate of the Kemayoran Athlete\'s Wisma RSDC is only 19 percent of the total 7,894 available beds.
JAKARTA, KOMPAS — The COVID-19 pandemic failed to dampen public enthusiasm for the celebration of the 76th anniversary of National Independence on Tuesday (17/8/2021). Apart from serving as an opportunity to strengthen national unity, the situation also gives rise to the optimism that Indonesia is capable of realizing its advancement sought after by the proclamation of independence.
Clad in the traditional Pepadun dress of Lampung, President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo led the independence proclamation commemoration ceremony at the State Palace in Jakarta. Health protocols were strictly observed on the occasion. Members of National Flag Hoisting Team (Paskibraka) wore double masks in executing their task.
Residents living around the Simpang Lima Monument in Bandung city, West Java, also maintained discipline by wearing face masks when they hoisted the red-and-white flag to commemorate the proclamation anniversary.
Dressed in personal protective equipment, groups of healthcare workers were enthusiastically following Independence Day ceremonies, such as in the Kemayoran Emergency COVID-19 Hospital (RSDC) in Central Jakarta, and the Donohudan Haj Dormitory RSDC, Boyolali, Central Java.
BPMI SEKRETARIAT PRESIDEN
The procession of raising the heritage flag in 2021. The flag bearer, Ardelia Muthia Zahwa (16), takes the flag from the table in front of President Joko Widodo.
At the annual session of the People’s Consultative Assembly (MPR) in Jakarta on Monday (16/8), President Jokowi stated his commitment to striving for the completion of infrastructure development that ensures low-cost logistical supplies and the unification of Indonesia. Attention to the big agenda of the advancement of Indonesia will not be reduced, even though the government is concentrating on pandemic control.
The pandemic, according to President Jokowi, teaches us how to find the point of balance between health and economic interests.
“In making decisions, the government refers to data, as well as the latest science and technology. The government should be responsive to change,” he said.
On the same occasion, MPR Speaker Bambang Soesatyo said the government had taken the right step in handling the pandemic.
“Reallocation of the State Budget in the form of social protection, refocusing of the health budget and direct cash aid constitute the right steps in dealing with the social impact of COVID-19,” he said.
Indonesia’s fifth president, Megawati Soekarnoputri, recalled the meaning of freedom, which is the desire to be independent.
“We are only 76 years of age. If possible, we should exist for thousands of years. It’s the significance I wish to convey within the framework of the 76th anniversary of our independence,” she said.
Nahdlatul Ulama central board general chairman Kiai Said Aqil Siroj said independence signified that all elements of the nation should preserve the wholeness of the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia in terms of geography, culture and national identity.
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President Joko Widodo made a speech at the 2021 MPR RI Annual Session and the Joint Session of the DPR RI and DPD RI in the context of the 76th Anniversary of the Republic of Indonesia in the Plenary Meeting Room, Nusantara Building MPR/DPR/DPD RI, Monday (16/8/2021).
Becoming statesmen
Various circles are also optimistic that Indonesia will be an advanced nation in accordance with the aspirations of independence if the interests of Indonesia is given priority over those of the citizens and the national elite. To this end, Muhammadiyah central board general chairman Haedar Nashir reminded the national elite, from the executive to the judicature, of the necessity to become statesmen, setting examples in adopting important policies for the means of support of the nation and state.
The 76th anniversary of the Republic of Indonesia this time, said Haedar, became the opportunity to strengthen unity because Indonesian people had proven capable of living in harmony in the spirit of concord.
“Political differences are settled when we are in contestation and should not be protracted into political resentment that makes us lose our spirit of unity,” he added.
During a health crisis like the one Indonesia is experiencing now, Prosperous Justice Party consultative board chairman Salim Segaf Al-Jufri hoped the elite would not disappoint public trust.
Corruption eradication
Meanwhile, several civil society groups observed that President Jokowi’s speech at the MPR made no mention of corruption eradication at all. According to Transparency International Indonesia program deputy Wawan Suyatmiko, this confirms the increasingly fading commitment of the President to corruption eradication.
But in the field, many acts of state institutions create a climate of fear for the public, discouraging them from expressing their opinions.
“Social aid is cut to the level of neighborhood units [RT]. The President should pay attention to this if the pandemic is to be handled in a measured way,” he said.
Institute for Criminal Justice Reform researcher Sustira Dirga also pointed out that the commitment to democracy was not reflected in the speech of the President. The President once touched on the importance of public criticism of the government.
“But in the field, many acts of state institutions create a climate of fear for the public, discouraging them from expressing their opinions,” said Sustira.
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