PONDERING INDONESIA during Independence Week

Honestly, my feeling toward Indonesia is somewhat neutral. I can say neutrally, without shame nor pride that I am an Indonesian. I was born in Jakarta on October 28, on the Youth Pledge Day. I got married on April 21 which is Kartini‘s day or Indonesian Women Emancipation day. Although my two big days are included on the list of Indonesian important days, I rarely feel patriotic. Nostalgic, yes, but not patriotic. 

Indonesia is like my family. I love my family very much, but I know its weakness. I also realize that without my family I will not exist. My family fed me, took a good care of me, and educated me. My family needed some rooms of improvement yet I am aware that it did the best it could. That is how I feel about Indonesia.

                I have eaten the food which grew on Indonesian soil. I drank the water from its well. I got a state university education. I have breathed the Indonesian air for twenty six years before I moved to USA. I am indebted to Indonesia.

Recently, besides feeling neutral, I am so very excited to be an Indonesian. There is a big change in the air of my country. From far away, through the internet and phone calls, I am watching and waiting for it. I hope the many rooms of improvement will truly be implemented by the change.

My root is in Indonesia. To my American born kids, I proudly say to them,” Hey kiddos you are American citizens but you know, your roots are in Indonesia. Remember that! ”. I wish one day in the future they will dig around their roots and get to understand some parts of themselves which are still hidden now. 

I hope by my endeavors and prayers I can participate in improving Indonesia from afar. Internet does helps, so do goodwill and God. I believe my good intentions about Indonesia will not be wasted.   

                May God bless my beloved country, Republic of Indonesia . 

anime pictures by Bambang Gunawan