Nationalism Left Behind
AT LEAST there are four types of nationalism which we can refer from the repertoire of political science: liberal nationalism, conservative nationalism, expansionist nationalism and anti-colonial nationalism. All those type of nationalism is closely related to the history of each nation adherents or followers of nationalism. For example; liberal nationalism in Europe contextual historically with the French Revolution. French revolution upholds freedoms (think etc.), so as noted by Andre Heywod (Politics, 1997), be a nationalist means to be a liberal.
Likewise with nationalism in Indonesia. The fact of Dutch colonization and other nationsthat once ruled and plundered Indonesia had given a strong impetus and sense of unity among all ethnic groups in Indonesian territory. A joint impetus of the importance of seizing and fight for independence of Indonesia from colonial. An urge to reign over on its own, determine the fate and future ofits own nation. A condition that we can see from all the thoughts and strugglesof the founding fathers, hero and past generations who come to realize theso-called independence.
However, more fundamental than this historical context, there is a presumptionuniversally embraced by every nasionalist, which is again said by Andre Heywood that the key assumptionsis mankind naturallydivided into clusters of nations.
Each with all the distinctive identity attached to it. Appeared then seen from these two aspects, nationalism is supported by at least two factors: history and the reality of identity of a nation.
Psychologically, nationalism can be simplytranslated as a clumpof spiritof maintaining,securing and advancing the nation’s fate and life. There are other factors intertwined namely: the dignity of a nation. At the extreme level, this psychological atmosphere has potency to bring out a slogan “right or wrong is my country “. In the language of the Middle East or Arab, an excessive devotion to the nation is called ashobiyyah(Arabic: refers to social solidarity with an emphasis on unity, group consciousness and sense of shared purposed and social cohesion, originally in a context of tribalism and clanism). From these two poles, probably right is a nation should upholding dignity butshould not “worship” the nation (ashobiyyah).
The reason is simple; politically we have had a unitary nation. Meanwhile we nationallyare bound by a number of similarityof identity. Historically, we hadexperienced a condition which brings us to the collective struggle of fate of nation from Sabang to Merauke. We have been in a “nationalistic” historical force. Therefore inevitably, we righteously ensoul, maintain and love this country. But if we look at to the Indonesia current condition, we deserve to ask where nationalism is. When the lands and resources are dominated by foreign corporations as if our country is not ours. When the territory boundaries of our country is trampled by other citizens.When our economy heavily dependent on international financial resources. When our sport achievements continue to sag in international stage.When our art and cultural products are taken and claimed as the property of other nation.
In Kenduri Cinta and Maiyah,in regard of nationalism has been “ingrained”. Look at to Kenduri Cinta slogan “UpholdIndonesiaNoble.” Sometimes we feel despair seeing this condition but soon we are invited to rapidly build optimism. Various reasons we got: the toughness of poor people, the tough mental of Indonesian, loyalty to the family,Indonesian primacy over people from other countries; for example the genealogy of our nation’s history and the strong faith that God will help His servants, a belief that this country are still given the streght. Neverbored Cak Nun raises argumentsabout the greatness of our nation in the past centuries. Through the history, one of them, Cak Nun moves the hearts and minds to understand and rebuild nationalism that even now the word of nationalism is already rare sounded. Not only traced to the pre-independence historybut it is a nationalism rooted far back in the history of our nation.
At Kenduri Cinta and Maiyah forums, argument, may also hypothesis and evidence of the greatness of this nation continues arrive, mutually reinforcing. Starting from the hypothesis of linguistic, natural conditions, architecturalachievements, internal technological capabilities etc. In Kenduri Cinta and Maiyah forums, nationalism is built withhistoricalconsciousness, awareness of civilizations, awareness of dignity, and not consciousness of ashobiyyah. A nationalism that pulled far back across centuries of the history of nation.