History, traditions, stories of the past and the success of the people can be an inspiration in this country. Celebrating Independence Day is a story of togetherness and sharing an inspiration to advance the nation.
By
Wahyu Haryo PS and Tri Agung Kristanto
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KOMPAS/JUMARTO YULIANUS
A female visitor (with a red hijab) takes a selfie with the floating market traders who gathered at the Banjarmasin Floating Market Pier, Monday (15/8/2022). They decorated their respective boats with red and white flags in order to welcome the 77th Anniversary of Indonesian Independence, as well as enliven the 72nd Anniversary of South Kalimantan Province.
While celebrating the 70th anniversary of Taman Siswa, the first educational institution for the Indonesian people during the colonial era, in mid-July 1991, Sultan Hamengku Buwono X, the king of the Yogyakarta Palace, noted the importance of traditions and old teachings. Not only serving as a mirror, the past was also an inspiration to advance the country.
“To the present generation, it is proper to pay attention to the values contained in Javanese language and literature so that they are reflected in the potential identity for the formation of future national culture, as an important factor in the nation's resilience. Because old traditional values, if we examine and test them, can provide inspiration if they are expressed in a new way in the midst of the fiercely ongoing cultural changes," said the sultan, as outlined in the book 70 Years of Taman Siswa (1992).
“Never leave the history behind” was the message of former president Sukarno, which was in line with the message of the sultan. Sukarno offered the message in his speech on the anniversary of the Republic of Indonesia on 17 Aug., 1966.
Jasmerah, a portmanteau for the former president’s injunction not to forget history, was not the title provided by Sukarno but was given by the Action Unit. The president's speech was to defend his political line and remind the nation that it was entering a difficult year and a civil war could occur. This message was Sukarno’s last speech before ending his rule. History, tradition or local wisdom can indeed be an inspiration for a nation to build itself – realizing the ideals of the nation, including Indonesia, especially in achieving the welfare of the people. The past is a mirror, so that while moving forward, the country can occasionally look to the past and not repeat the same mistakes in the present time.
The teachings of the past, which are still relevant today, such as mutual cooperation, Bhinneka Tunggal Ika (unity in diversity), a friendly attitude and gotong royong (mutual support) and tolerance.
In looking to the past, former vice president Mohammad Hatta also said, "Let our past experiences be the guideposts and not the pillars that bind us." Indonesia's future movement cannot be separated from history and the past, which have helped guide the progress and prosperity of its people.
Region to region
Shared inspiration to advance the country can also be obtained from the willingness to learn from one another, not only from generation to generation, but also from region to region. There is always a "pearl" in an area that can be replicated in other areas to realize the strength of Indonesia as a nation and to strengthen the unity and integrity to advance the country.
The father of national education, Ki Hadjar Dewantara, wrote in his book entitled Family (1937), “Indonesia will be noble, will be beautiful, will be perfect and give happiness to its people, because it is solid, healthy, noble and perfect in its parts, namely its regions. Isn't a city good and noble, if its villages and residents are in good condition, good and noble, even though they are of various types?" (Ki Hadjar Dewantara, Part IIA, Culture, 1961).
IPPHOS
The red and white flag hoisting ceremony in the yard of the Pegangsaan Timur 56 Building shortly after the reading of the Proclamation of Independence.
Furthermore, the founder of the Taman Siswa educational institute said, “And this means that the progress of life and livelihood will automatically result in progress in general, in particular toward unity. One area gets the widest opportunity to receive influences from other areas, or give influence to other areas.”
Although it is not easy, entering the age of 77, this nation is increasingly showing its maturity, growing, and its people are increasingly prosperous, and the regions look more noble, beautiful and happy, as written by Ki Hadjar more than 80 years ago. This condition is clearly commendable. Diversity is maintained, tolerance is fostered well and peace is the breath of life for the nation. State life and the wheels of the economy can run well.
“From the first, every August there is always joy, togetherness. Together we decorate the gate, clean the village. Villages and cities are lively and grateful for the blessings of freedom from God to our country. In the villages, there are many competitions, festivals, banners and flags. A good atmosphere and tradition will give positive energy to the nation," said President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo in a special interview with Kompas in Jakarta on Sunday (14/8/2022).
The speaker of the House of Representatives, Puan Maharani, is also grateful to see this nation growing. The people can support each other and regions can share to realize a just and prosperous state life, as aspired to by the founders of the nation. Indeed, it is undeniable that there are still shortcomings, but the life of the nation and state continues to develop with various achievements.
Many people feel progress has been achieved. The existence of the nation is also increasingly recognized in the global arena. Even so, there is a lot of homework that needs to be done. However, the results of independence cannot be only seen from the progress achieved in well-established and well-developed regions. The results of independence can also be seen from areas on the outskirts, remote areas, inland and outermost areas as well.
The gap, especially in the “marginal” areas rather than in the urban areas, remains wide. President Jokowi realizes that the development in the marginal area is crucial to realizing even distribution of welfare. This effort was part of his first term, which sought to build Indonesia from the periphery by strengthening regions and villages. In his second term, President Jokowi carried out the mission of equitable and just development.
The spirit of equitable and just development is important, because, based on the assessment of Kompas’ Research and Development team, Indonesia has enjoyed a lot of progress during its 77 years of independence. However, there are still gaps in the economy and human development. The Human Development Index shows that the quality of society in eastern Indonesia lags behind society in the West by at least a decade.
In the field, there are always privileges in simplicity, which illustrates the independence of the people. A piece of sweet potato, the catch of the sea that makes a living and self-sufficiency in rice are stories that can be an inspiration to other residents. The stretch of people's business and infrastructure development for the welfare of the people is another story that can be a way to realize the dreams of residents in other regions. The 77th anniversary of Indonesian independence is a story of sharing inspiration.
This article was translated by Hendarsyah Tarmizi.
