Nationalism should be more than just flag-raising ceremonies

As people across the country prepare to celebrate the nation's 60th Independence Day on Wednesday. The Jakarta Post asked a number of young people from different provinces their views about the celebration.

Robert Wanggai, a church activist in Papua:

The celebration of Independence Day has long been an annual observance for every country in the world, including Indonesia.

In my opinion, efforts to strengthen brotherhood and unity within the nation should not only be made through the Independence Day ceremony but it will be better achieved through government' efforts to ensure equality and welfare for its people. The government needs to pay attention to improve the country's education and health sectors.

Currently, the sense of nationalism had been eroded among the young generation. They are more proud of using attributes of other countries. They are more pleased to see the U.S., British or other countries' flags than our red-and-white flag.