Rise of Humanitarian Generation

KOMPAS/HERU SRI KUMORO

Raden Ajeng Kartini poster painted on the wall of the house on Jalan Halim Perdana Kusuma, Tangerang City, Sunday (12/4/2020). Kartini is known as a pioneer of women\'s emancipation in Indonesia, especially fighting for the right to education for women. April 21 is celebrated as Kartini Day. Kartini\'s letters were written in a book "Habis Gelap Terbitlah Terang" (After Darkness comes Light).

After darkness, comes light. The shift can trigger an awakening. National Awakening Day is very meaningful at a time when Ibu Pertiwi (the motherland) has been hit hard by the Covid-19 outbreak.

National Awakening Day 2020 was not marked with a lively celebration as in previous years. The celebration only saw a limited number of participants, all wearing masks to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Nevertheless, it is precisely because of the current situation that commemorating the historical events of 112 years ago is more relevant than ever.

The founding of the Budi Utomo organization on 20 May 1908 signified Indonesia’s rise from colonialism. The birth of the first modern organization led to the birth of other movements and helped bring the Indonesian independence.

We need to work together to break the chain of COVID-19 transmission and restore our socioeconomic condition at the same time.

“Budi Utomo” (noble character) was chosen as the organization’s name with the intent to promote the spirit of nationalism, and not regionalism. “Budi Utomo” also fosters the spirit of mutual cooperation and solidarity. The people welcomed it enthusiastically. In less than a year, around 10,000 students from several regions had joined the organization.

When COVID-19 emerged to devastate life and order in the world, including Indonesia, the spirit of mutual assistance and mutual cooperation found renewed purpose. We need to work together to break the chain of COVID-19 transmission and restore our socioeconomic condition at the same time. With this awareness, Kompas published on 20 May 2020 a headlining story with a special layout and the large heading, "Diverse, but One Purpose".

Also read : Diverse, but One Purpose

DOK PRIBADI MOH SALEH

Moh Saleh with Boedi Oetomo\'s comrades in the courtyard of the 1908 STOVIA Building. Sitting from the left, Goenawan Mangoenkoesoemo, Latoemeten, Moh Arsjad, and Prodjosoedirdjo Figures, Standing from the left, Moh Saleh, Soesilo, Soetomo and Goembrek.

The nation’s first vice president, Bung Hatta, pointed out in one of his writings that we are no small nation without a history: We are the descendants of a great nation with a glorious history.

We should be grateful that the seeds of our superior nation still exist. When this nation is confronted with difficulties, the seed reactivates and germinates. The activities of individuals and communities from all ethnic groups, religions, and ethnicities, as well as different age groups, social classes, professions, and business are proof of this. If the people seemed to divided by practical political interests in years past, they have today united in a variety of humanitarian movements and actions. They have rolled up their sleeves to work together – just not hand in hand.

Also read : Missing the Reading Movement

We may still need to learn from other nations in mastering technology and strengthening the economy, but we must not be pessimistic because this nation has enormous social capital that is vital to dealing with the outbreak. The UK’s Charities Aid Foundation (CAF) placed Indonesia at top of its World Giving Index 2018.

The activities that the people have pioneered, as we continue to witness, need to be further encouraged. In 1945, a new generation of independence fighters was born; in 1966, the development generation emerged; in 1998, the reform generation came to the fore; now, the year 2020 should become a milestone in reviving a generation of humanitarians. With this revival, hopefully this nation will emerge from the COVID-19 epidemic to actively contribute to rebuilding world society. It will be written in history.