Jakarta – The Indonesian people still need nationalism, albeit of a different kind, when facing a globalization movement "fueled by capitalism", says an academic.

"It is still important to stick with our nationalism as it forms our identity," Anhar Gonggong, an historian from the University of Indonesia, told The Jakarta Post after a talkshow titled "Assessing Nationalism on the 62nd Anniversary of Indonesian Independence" on Saturday.

"We are now facing a different situation than the one in the pre-independence period when we were facing Dutch colonization."

Anhar said that in the colonial era Indonesians only fought the Dutch, but in the globalization era there were more opponents. "Currently, we are facing a lot more colonizers, such as the US, Australia, and neighboring countries Malaysia and Singapore, using capitalism," he said.

Anhar told the discussion that many countries did not want to see Indonesia prospering as this would threaten their influence in the world. "We should make a clear concept about how we will develop the country as we don't want foreign countries to dictate us," he said.

He claimed, however, that nationalism was eroding among Indonesians.

Also speaking during the talkshow was a former state minister for the development of disadvantaged regions, Syaifullah Yusuf, who said that one of the reasons behind the erosion of nationalism was glaring disparities between different regions.

"That is also the reason why so many separatist movements have emerged in different parts of Indonesia," he said. "The government has to ensure the even distribution of welfare and develop all regions equally to overcome the separatist problem."

The most recent separatist act took place Wednesday in North Aceh on Wednesday when an Indonesian flag was burnt and many others taken down across the province. The incidents allegedly involved the Free Aceh Movement (GAM).

Former Army chief of staff, Gen. (ret) Ryamizard Ryacudu, told the discussion that the government should warn Aceh Governor Irwandi Yusuf that such incidents should not be repeated.

"The perpetrators should be punished severely. Even demonstrators tearing up the President's picture can be arrested. Those dancers who waved the South Maluku Republic flag were also swiftly apprehended," he said.

Asked whether Irwandi should be replaced, he said that this was not yet necessary yet as Irwandi was still learning the ropes. "A strong reprimand will be enough. Besides, the situation in Aceh is not stable yet," he said.

Irwandi, who was a GAM commander, won the direct gubernatorial election in December 2006. Antara reported Friday that he had asked the local police to investigate the incidents.

Former president Abdurrahman "Gus Dur" Wahid called Thursday for Irwandi to be removed from his position.

Commenting on the flag incidents, Anhar said it was an insult to Indonesia. He therefore urged the governor to take resolute action against the perpetrators.

"He was chosen as governor within the framework of the Republic of Indonesia, so he's an Indonesian," he said, adding that as an Indonesian, Irwandi should also feel insulted by such actions.

Anhar also warned the government of the possibility of such incidents developing into full-scale separatist movement if left unattended.