By: Muhammad Iman)*
We still many times misunderstand the real meaning of independence for just balap karung and panjat pinang, setting-up banners around neighborhood, or even just setting-up national flag on each yards. This celebration has even deeper meaning more than just meaningless parties or sudden excitements. Independence is about how to love Indonesia, which then realized on good deeds regardless of the difference. This celebration is expected to be a reflection of national struggle so as not only about party, but really touch the meaning of independence itself.
During the National Independence Day celebration at the State Palace, come into view our present and former leaders. Among them are the sixth president Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, the fifth president Megawati Soekarnoputri, the third president B.J. habibie, the seventh president Joko Widodo, and vice president Jusuf kalla. The atmosphere of unity seems to be very different and stronger in this condition since they wear different kind of national clothing. There is a hidden message to be delivered by our leader towards public about unity. “The good leaders are those who became models for their men,” this concept was suited with this condition. Hopefully our people also impressed with this condition and imitate its spirit.
Unfortunately, this model seems to lost for a moment because of political rivalry occurred lately, even this conflict spread to the wider community. This is the first time for SBY to attend independence ceremony in State Palace after he took of his position as the President of Indonesian Republic. Meanwhile, Megawati also never come to the palace during SBY’s leadership. However, what we see in the last independence ceremony was relieving. Those two figures show that whatever our political view, when it is about NKRI we should unite and work together. SBY and Megawati dare to suppress their sense of ego and look familiar at the Independence Day celebration. Political rivalry lately became a storm that makes a gap between several leaders in this republic. But they seem able to take a lesson from those problems to increase this nation’s unity.
Our leader has given such a noble example. It would be better if we also contribute to suppress each sense of ego and emulate as our leaders do. Rivalry is merely a matter of competition, while exaggerated hostilities will destroy the country.
)* The author is CIDISS contributor
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