seventeenth of august independence day tends to inundate me with waves of feelings inside more than my own birthday would. i know not exactly why, but it's becoming well confirmed with most current repetitions.
today's Kompas, the leading national newspaper, features several stories surrounding the commemoration of indonesia's 60th anniversary. what is so special this year? it features "portraits" of a decaying nation. it probably wants to show and testify how after 6o years of Independence indonesia does not fare well. the bitter reflection is shown in some titles:
"Democracy without Democrats; The State's Gross Neglect over the People's Future; To Rebuild the Waning Bargaining Power; The Always-Rocked RI's Sovereignty; Involution towards a Colonialized Nation; Agriculture, the Unloved Stepdaughter; Education without Visions; Indonesia's Manufacture, A Fragile Sand Castle; The Asian Young Tiger's Asleep; A Toothless Tiger in the Region.
meanwhile, the Post writes strongly about the Wasted 60 Years. talk about painful articles that have been made of tears! we've got flooded today. yet, despite everything, happy anniversary! there's so much to fix. no other choice; we must get better together!
