Jakartav // chakra-news.com– Welcoming the 80th anniversary of Indonesian Independence, the Alliance for Transparency in Indonesian History (AKSI) warns of the danger of “national decline.” This danger is reflected in the breakdown of the Republic’s foundations, namely the loss of respect for human dignity, upholding the rule of law, and equal treatment for every citizen. Indonesia once inspired the world to fight colonialism through the Proclamation of Independence on August 17, 1945, and the 1955 Asia-Africa Conference.
However, this historical legacy was lost due to the paralysis of national consciousness during the 60 years after 1965. Indonesians inherited trauma and experienced depoliticization as the idea of nationhood was limited to discourses of development and security stability based on ultra-nationalism. Furthermore, Indonesians also inherited economic inequality due to the dominance of a handful of the richest individuals, who control the wealth equivalent to that of 50 million people.
Yet, independence from colonialism was affirmed in the Preamble to the 1945 Constitution, which states that independence is the right of all nations and that colonialism must be abolished worldwide, as it is incompatible with humanity and justice. A government with the sovereignty of the people is required to protect the entire Indonesian nation and its entire homeland, advance the general welfare, educate the nation, and participate in establishing a world order based on freedom, lasting peace, and social justice.
Geohistorically and geopolitically, Indonesia holds significant international significance. Indonesia was the initiator and host of the 1955 Asia-Africa Conference. The Asia-Africa Conference inspired independence movements in many parts of the world, imagining a better world. Sending outstanding Indonesian students to various countries in the 1960s was an effort to realize the Indonesian imagination of a dignified nation. However, the 1965 tragedy shattered all these fantasies. The year 1965 marked a milestone in the regime change that shifted Indonesia’s direction from a nation focused on human liberation to one that oppressed humanity under the control of the New Order’s militarism, which glorified physical strength, symbols, and the use of violence, including sexual violence against women, as a means of controlling them and maintaining power. Efforts to build the nation stalled, and a complete reversal of national life occurred. The revolution ended and was replaced by a pseudo-national ‘development’. Although subversive laws were repealed, the rulers’ control over the people continued. The New Order established an authoritarian National Security State that is now even reviving. As a result, the people lost their sovereignty over power. In parallel, centralized economic policies created acute inequality and systemic corruption in forest destruction, land grabbing, and uncontrolled mining. Justice became a mere hallow for the victims and the people in general. The country’s 80-year journey has been one that has led to people’s misery, far from improving their welfare. Leaders no longer consider placing this nation on a level playing field with dignity and equality.
( Rudi )
