‘Toxic’ nationalism under scrutiny in Indonesia

Every nook and cranny: University students unfurling a large national flag by a beachside rockface in Lhoknga, Aceh province, in conjunction with Indonesia's 77th Independence Day. – AFP

AS Indonesia geared up for its celebration of 77 years of independence on Aug 17, the air became thick with patriotism, and there was a seemingly unending display of red-and-white flags adorning every nook and cranny, accompanied by the chorusing of national songs in public spaces.

The uniform fanfare, as it were, stood almost in stark contrast to this diverse nation that is home to more than 800 different languages, 300 ethnicities and six recognised faiths.