INDONESIAN Independence Day, August 17th, is a precious gift to the Indonesian nation.
For years, we have celebrated independence as a national holiday, but we must understand the true meaning of it. Independence is not just about freedom but also about responsibility, innovation, creativity, tolerance, unity, education, and social welfare.
In favour of our fellow Indonesian citizens
Independence gives us the freedom to think and express our opinions. But this freedom must be accompanied by responsibility, which means using our freedom for positive and beneficial purposes for ourselves and others. We must use our freedom to build a better nation, not to destroy or worsen the people. By doing so, we can create a society that values individual freedom while also promoting the common good (bonum commune).
Driving force
Independence should be a driving force for innovation and creativity. A free nation is a society that is able to generate new ideas and take risks to achieve progress. We must continue to innovate and be creative to improve the quality of life and advance the nation. By fostering a culture of innovation and creativity, we can stay ahead of the curve and address the complex challenges facing our nation.
In the midst of diversity, the spirit of tolerance and unity must be maintained. Independence teaches us to respect each other’s differences and build an inclusive nation. We must continue to promote tolerance and unity to create a harmonious and peaceful society. By doing so, we can build a nation that is strong and resilient, where everyone has a sense of belonging and purpose.
For the welfare of the people
Independence means the right of every citizen to receive quality education and adequate welfare. The younger generation must continue to strive to achieve the ideals of independence. We must continue to improve the quality of education and welfare to create a better society. By investing in education and welfare, we can create a nation that is equipped to compete in the global economy and provide opportunities for all citizens to thrive.
We can fill independence with real work in various ways, such as:
- Contributing to Development
Every citizen can contribute to national development according to their respective fields. - Maintaining Unity and Diversity
Differences are the nation’s wealth, but unity in diversity must be maintained. - Thinking Critically and Innovating
In the era of rapid information, it is essential to have critical thinking and innovation skills. - Appreciating the Services of Heroes
Never forget the services of heroes who have fought for independence.
Indonesian independence is a gift and mandate. We must fill independence with meaningful work, spirit of mutual cooperation, and strong determination to realize the ideals of the Indonesian nation that is just, united, sovereign, and prosperous. We must continue to strive to achieve these ideals and build a better nation.
By working together and promoting the values of independence, we can create a brighter future for us and future generations.
Merdeka.
