REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, By: Azyumardi Azra

Entering the eighth decade after 70 years of Indonesian independence in 2015, this country was not only able to survive from all challenges and difficulties, but also achieved significant progress in various fields of life.

Anxiety and worries are still afflicting many people –including experts and specialists- when Indonesia began to step the eighth decade of independence. This was seen, for example, in the National Seminar on Political Science Association of Indonesia (AIPI) XXVI in the IX Congress last week (27/08).

In 'introspection' and 'retrospect' of AIPI, all citizens of Indonesia should be grateful because Indonesia was not torn apart due to communal conflict, which ever hit certain countries. In addition, AIPI also appreciated the democratic achievement of Indonesia for more than 15 years after the Reformation Era, after previously experienced a long period of authoritarian system under the Old Order regime with Guided Democracy (1959-65) and the New Order regime with Pancasila Democracy (1966-98).

Behind this achievement, AIPI also noted list of failures and blurred portrait of Indonesia in the age of 70. "Among the failures, for example, there were failure of the state to enforce a clean government by eliminating or at least reducing corruption significantly; failure to create prosperity and social justice; failure to educate the life of the nation; and failure of the state to protect people and homeland of Indonesia, including the right to life for minority of religions and beliefs".

Therefore, AIPI needed to ask questions; 'What is wrong? Why mismanagement of state and government are still ongoing and almost always repeated even though Indonesia has 70 years of independence? What kind of challenges will be faced by Indonesia to meet its future? Could NKRI be last for the next 100 years?

Discussion on figure Panel Session attended by Coordinating Ministries on Political, Legal and Security Luhut B. Pandjaitan; economist and environmentalist Emil Salim; Chairman of AIPI and Governor of North Sulawesi SH Sarundajang; and the author of this resonance, could not do anything but focus on future of Indonesia based on challenges and problems.

In general, the four panelists expressed optimism about the future of Indonesia -although with some critical and reflective notes. Luhut felt optimistic about the future of Indonesia with democracy that can bring this country to become a better country. But he warned about Indonesia, that have full of diversity, which requires a leader who is able to stand above all parties. "Indonesia needs a leader who can be an example. Indonesia does not need a heartless leader or a leader who only concerns with himself, his party and his pocket ".

For Emil Salim, Indonesia's future damage can be caused by Indonesian people themselves, especially among politicians who have no logic and sensitivity. He admitted the importance of politicians and political parties as the pillars of democracy. "Unfortunately politician makes democracy not to be a way to create social justice. In the midst of economic crisis, when the value of dollar almost reach fifteen thousand rupiah, the House of Representatives wants to build seven prestigious projects. Where are their thoughts?" Said Emil Salim.

Speaking after the last two panelist, author of this Resonance reminded Indonesia of the importance of maintaining optimism in facing the future of the nation. Indonesia, throughout this 70 years of independence, proved the ability not only to survive, but also to achieve progress in various fields of life. If we are more pessimistic, the future of this nation will be a darkness.

“In seventy years journey, Indonesia remains as a unified nation-state in the midst of threats and potential disintegration. Journey over seventy years teaches that in the midst of skepticism, distrust and impossibility, Indonesia which is plural, remains intact and can stand up until now."

Many foreign observers, since the national movement, post-independence till today, were still skeptical about the future of Indonesia. For them, Indonesia is a nation that is not possible (improbable nation) which is a 'miracle' because of the diversity and pluralism in various aspects of life.

Although it is a 'miracle', in facing today and future challenges -like 100 years of independence in 2045- the government has a special responsibility roles to create conditions more conducive for the maintenance and strengthening the nationalistic.

The government should accelerate efforts to overcome the economic difficulties which are now increasing. If the economic situation continues to deteriorate, the difficulties of living is increasing, and the growing income gap is wider, then the potential of social unrest would also increase. At this stage, if it can not be controlled, potential and threat of disintegration can happen. Na’udzu billah min Dzalik.

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