It's 17th of August today, 60 years since we've declared ourselves a sovereign country called Republik Indonesia.
60 years we've been an independent country, free from the shackles of colonialism.
For 60 years we've proudly declared ourselves Bangsa Indonesia. The nation that strives forward to achieve our founding fathers' vision. But are we there yet?
We're still far from perfect, we have to admit that. There are so many things to create, to improve, and sometimes, to change.
It's time to ask ourselves, where are we going to bring this country?
Are we going to slack off and let it remain in its current stationary, or even backward, momentum?
Or are we going to strive hard to develop to an advanced nation and equal to our neighbors?
I believe we all want the best for our country. I know I do. It might seem like such an impossible task to get free from the rut that we've been in for so long, but I am sure we can do it.
From what I can see, things are improving. Corruption is slowly being weeded out and the corrupts being put to jail where they belong.
The peace agreement is finally signed. My sincerest hope is that both parties can honour their promises and end this tragic bloodbath. It's time for peace to reign in Aceh. May no more mothers shed tears for their lost sons and daughters in Tanah Rencong.
I have a faith in our leader. He is a good man, honourable and dedicated in doing his job. It's not easy to be in his position, more so being a leader of an extremely vast and heterogeneous country like ours. It takes time for improvement. What he needs is our support. Support not only in talking, but in action. Your smallest contribution will add up for the good of us all.
Merdeka!
(OK, it's time for the panjat pinang and lomba makan kerupuk to commence. Go warm up! While for us being away from home, it's makan time at the Kedutaan)
