Independence means freedom from shackles and slavery. Independence means freedom. The freedom to live one's life without being completely dependent on anyone, not even an employer.
Independence is a goal for every colonized nation. The desire for freedom from colonial rule emerged in the 19th century, at the height of World War II. Even today, some nations remain independent. For example, Palestine, which is currently under Zionist occupation by Israel. Laknatullâh
Throughout the history of world civilization, Indonesia has been colonized by various nations, including the Portuguese, the British, the Dutch East Indies Trading Company (VOC), and even Japan. For hundreds of years (more than three centuries), Indonesia was under the grip of colonialism and imperialism.
Thanks to the struggle of our nation's predecessors, with their lives and bodies, independence was finally won. It wasn't given up. As we know, on August 17, 1945, independence was achieved, marking Japan's defeat in World War II after the atomic bombings of Nagasaki and Hiroshima.
This event was not solely due to the bombs dropped by the Americans on Japan, but also the result of the spirit of the indigenous Indonesian freedom fighters. Thus, independence was achieved, even though after Japan left Indonesia was again subjected to a second military aggression by the Dutch. As a result, Indonesia is still considered an independent nation.
So, the fundamental question is, is Indonesia truly independent today? Or has it become a free people? Does independence feel felt by every Indonesian citizen?
Quoting Bung Karno's words in his speech that ""My struggle was easier because it was to expel the colonialists. But yours will be more difficult because it's against your own people." That was President Soekarno's sacred speech at that time.
This statement confirms that the 1980s demonstrated that Indonesia's condition remains unstable, unstable, and even incompletely independent, whether in terms of education, economics, culture, or politics.
Independence, in fact, is enshrined in the five principles, particularly the fifth principle, which states "Social Justice for All Indonesian People." However, the prosperity envisioned by our predecessors remains a long way off, as Indonesia now approaches its 80th anniversary.
Here are some reasons why we remain a colonized nation, colonized by the oppressive policies of our leaders and stakeholders.
Colonized with weapons of moral destruction, not weapons of mass destruction
This nation gained independence not merely with firearms and sharpened bamboo spears, but with a fighting spirit of morality and integrity. From a moral narrative to concrete actions to achieve and fulfill independence.
Fighting spirit is the primary asset in gaining independence, and this spirit is naturally grounded in national morality. What is morality? It is belief in God, knowledge, and good deeds. This is what constitutes rûh spirit of struggle in gaining independence.
True freedom means being close to God or always being obedient to God, as a guide to life as stated in Al-Qur'ân And hadith or the holy books of other religions, which are rich in moral values. This is true morality: a nation adheres to its own beliefs. If this is achieved, then moral, physical, and mental health will not be easily contaminated by the viruses of immoral behavior.
Degradation of Human Values
One of the characteristics of colonized people is that they ignore other humans, in other words they are more selfish, enriching themselves more than helping others. The popular term is; 'Have money then I have power. If you are in power, then without discrimination, anyone must be removed.
The current national polemic involves rampant corruption and a legal crisis. The law has become a stage for high-ranking officials, sharp at the bottom and blunt at the top, from the top down.
Because of personal ambition, sycophants are protected, and the opposition is crushed. The coalition is respected, but opponents are punished. This is the reality of the law. It's ironic and heartbreaking. If the people criticize, they'll be ready to go to jail. Corruptors act, but the law is gutless.
An independent nation should bring prosperity, not misery.
Freedom from words but not freedom in thought is the social reality. True freedom begins in the mind. People with free minds consistently behave well, reflecting the virtues of freedom once achieved.
Being independent doesn't mean standing alone, without looking back, or being apathetic to helping others. We must not allow our nation to be independent, but its people to behave like colonizers. After all, the true meaning of independence is prosperity, not misery.
People with a colonial or feudal mentality are characterized by a dehumanization of others and a disregard for humanity. Many of us, especially policymakers, enslave the people with regulations that are complicated for the people but easy for officials.
The reality doesn't align with the public narrative. Instead, they consistently consider themselves superior, allowing them to oppress the weak, stab the common people, and burden a dying population.
Reflecting on the 80th independence of the Republic of Indonesia, let's become completely independent human beings. Freedom from the mind, based on morality by upholding human values and becoming a human being with an independent and liberated spirit.
The nature of wanting power and thinking of oneself as great must be eradicated from the mind. Relive the spirit of struggle of our predecessors, by fulfilling our independence in a moral, sound and dignified manner.
Wallu'lam bish shawâb
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