Measuring The Sense of Nationalism in The Border

Indonesia is a great nation, composed of various races, religions, and customs. Since the first, the spirit of unity and integrity are closely intertwined in accordance with the national motto, Bhinneka Tunggal Ika, different but still one.

Sense of unity that does not materialize out of the high sense of nationalism among the people of Indonesia. Nevertheless, a sense of nationalism will be lost if the values ​​contained in Bhinneka Tunggal Ika is not implanted to younger generations.

The threat of disintegration should be serious attention from the government, the influence of foreign cultures and the high interaction with foreign nations can eliminate the values ​​of nationhood among the people of Indonesia.

Border regions such as Riau Islands (Kepri) Province is the area most prone to fading sense of nationalism. Riau Islands province, which border with Singapore and Malaysia has 19 outer islands with a high social interaction between locals and the people of Singapore and Malaysia. Of the 19 outer islands, two islands are located in Karimun regency, namely Hiu Kecil Island and Karimun Anak Island.

Datuk Panglima Muda of Young Warriors of United Malays (Laskar Melayu Bersatu/LMB) of Karimun Regency, Azman Zainal said the sense of nationalism among the people of Riau Islands province and Karimun regency began to fade when compared to five or six years ago.

"Start fading sense of nationalism can be seen from enthusiastic community in celebrating the Independence Day of the Republic of Indonesia-66,''he said.

According to Zainal Azman, residents are less enthusiastic about flying the flag which is the national flag of Indonesia. The condition is different than five or six years ago, residents were excited at flying the flag and held a variety of activities to enliven the Independence Day which falls on August 17, 2011.

"Less enthusiastic citizens to celebrate Independence Day because of several factors, one economic factor. Poverty is the cause of the people prefer to seek money compared to hold events to celebrate Independence Day,''he said.

According to him, a sense of nationalism for the border should be maintained. As a border area, Riau Islands province is a window of Indonesia.

Chairman of the NGO KIPRAH, John Saputra said the national spirit for the border region not only from the aspect of defense and security, but also from economic and socio-cultural aspects.

Since the first, Karimun Regency is the area crossing the smuggling of illegal goods from Singapore and Malaysia.

"The high level of smuggling shows a very close social interaction with citizens Karimun Singapore or Malaysia,''he said.

According to him, love the product Indonesia is one form of nationalism that must be implanted to the citizens.

"The government should be more serious about improving the welfare of society at the border. Eradicating poverty is one way to maintain the integrity of the Republic of Indonesia,''he said.

According to him, a sense of nationalism among the citizens at the border is still quite high, but due to economic factors, a sense of nationalism was as though faded and disappeared from the soul of every citizen.

The momentum of Indonesia's Independence Day celebration that the 66th is a good time to increase the sense of unity and spirit of nationalism among the citizens, especially residents in the border areas. (kepri online daily)