Balinese Life
Unity in Diversity, A Spirit Established for Centuries

As many other countries across the Asian region, Indonesia was once also under occupation of a colonial government. It lasted for some 4.5 centuries or some 13 generations. What a long time that was! This period came to an end in line with the conclusion of World War II, where conflicts seemed to spread out everywhere in this part of the world. Having experienced bitter struggles, long sufferings and discovering the sense of nationalism, this country finally accomplished to declare its independence on the 17th August 1945.

Without really realizing it, the celebration this year will be the sixty-first. In the midst of the Balinese community, the celebration seems not so exuberant compared to the euphoria in welcoming religious holidays or other local cultural events. However, this ‘national’ celebration is more focused on the government’s party. In other words, governmental institutions ranging from the sub district to the province usually organize the celebration.
School students are the ‘compulsory’ participants in this celebration. They are involved in several preliminary activities such as long march, decorative bicycle carnival, poetry reading contest and so on. Meanwhile, the more ebullient event is cultural carnival and some entertaining sport competition like tug of war, sack race and areca nut climbing. Other event marking the celebration is the Development Exhibition organized in relation to the anniversary of Bali Province. As in previous years, it starts on 14 August and takes place in Captain Japa Square, Padanggalak Sanur.
Involvement of students in this celebration is more emphasized on the character building, implantation of affection to the country, sense of unity, appreciation to national heroes as the implementation of the subject on history as well as reinterpretation of their enthusiasm and encouraging patriotic slogan such as Independence Now; Once Independence, Independence Forever; One Dies Will Come A Thousand; and many more.
In the meantime, in terms of Hinduism the celebration has crucial signification. It belongs to the pitri yajna or homage to ancestors. It’s no more associated with individual or clan ancestors but the founding fathers of the nation, namely those that had struggled for the independence of the nation and other figures that have sacrificed their property, family and life for the sake of common interest of this beloved fatherland. The celebration should not merely intend to memorize their meritorious service or mark a momentous milestone of the nation, but also the everlasting spirit and renaissance to maintain and improve their idealism.
There are many tasks to do in realizing their aspiration. This country should at all times endeavor to deliver the result of development to all citizens fairly and provide maximal security to its citizen, as human rights on the freedom of fear like against the attack of terrorism. Struggle against the colonizer is easier to distinguish between the companion and foe. But terrorist is just like ‘sleeping with enemy.’ Bahasa Indonesia says it with ‘musuh dalam selimut’ or literally enemy behind the blanket. Nevertheless, it remains difficult to reveal no matter it dries under the sun.
Through the celebration of the Independence Day, all citizens are expected to unify their leaps, put priority on common interest and go back to the path predecessors has built, unity. They were coming from diverse regions, religions, belief, tribes and descendants but they could reach the only one objective, the Independence. If it took 450 years during the underdeveloped period, with minimal facilities and infrastructure to achieve the independence, why we cannot do it today in shorter time, where we already have better conditions to reach the ‘second independence’ namely a freedom on the same recognition to all. Unity in diversity is the keyword in facing other internal or external threats. Actually, its reply lies within our profound heart. If we say yes, it will assuredly do!
(BTN/029)