Unesa.ac.id, SURABAYA-Government and private agencies and institutions simultaneously held a commemoration ceremony for the National Awakening Day yesterday (Friday, 20 May 2022). The spirit of Budi Utomo (Boedi Oetomo) is reinvigorated in maintaining unity and integrity in the midst of various challenges in the life of the nation and state today.
Historically, the struggle of the figures and heroes in the past, including through the Budi Utomo organization, was to liberate Indonesia from the ravages of centuries of colonialism. After independence was won and now it has been 76 years of independence, the struggle must continue.
The current struggle is certainly not by taking up arms, but through work and contributions in advancing and prospering Indonesia. According to Dr. Dra. Oksiana Jatiningsih, M.Si, lecturer at the State University of Surabaya (UNESA), the theme of the commemoration of the 114th National Awakening Day 2022 is a call to all citizens and elements of the Indonesian nation-state to rise together from adversity and 'independence'.
"To rise we need enthusiasm, need commitment and need togetherness as part of the actualization of the values and spirit of Budi Utomo's struggle or the figures and heroes in the history of the Indonesian independence movement," said Oksiana Jatiningsih, Head of PPKn UNESA.
At this momentum of national awakening, he continued, there are several things that must be considered together, including the threat of a sense of unity and integrity of the Indonesian nation and people. The threat is increasingly visible. Hate speech is spreading. Hoaxes are still rampant. The interests of groups, ethnicities and religions are still strong. If it continues to be allowed, it will certainly lead to division or division.
The woman from Jombang continued, the sense of nationalism must really be considered by all parties. The love for the homeland must be nurtured in the hearts of the children of the country. Tolerance between each other in differences must continue to be improved. The value of togetherness must continue to be inflamed and actualized in every heartbeat of the nation's life.
“Indonesia is not a small country, we have a lot of ethnic, religious, racial and cultural diversity. However, there are people who stir emotions and provoke disputes. This can disrupt the integrity of the nation," he said.
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In addition, common awareness as a nation and state must be directed at technological progress. On the one hand, technology has made work and activities easier in various fields. However, on the other hand, it can create dependence and even threats.
“There is a tendency for our society to be lulled by technology and even acutely addicted to technology. Do not let us be colonized by technology. With technology we must be more creative, innovative and productive. Not the other way around," he added.
The momentum of the National Awakening Day should not be limited to a ceremonial one. However, it must be part of increasing awareness and contributing to advancing the nation and state.
For young people, there are many ways that can be done to fill and even commemorate the National Awakening Day, one of which can be through works. They can compete creatively in making videos or activities with the aim of spreading optimism and growing a sense of love for the homeland.
“Social media is advancing. Young people and students can show off their work, make short videos or whatever the purpose is to foster a sense of love for the homeland. That should be reproduced at an important moment like this," he said.
“If we are proud of Indonesia, we must love the values that frame us as a country. Maintaining diversity is very important," he said. "We maintain that diversity because diversity is Indonesia. We believe that the values of Pancasila mark the Indonesian nation, the characteristics of the Indonesian nation that we must practice. Protecting Pancasila is the same as protecting Indonesia," he concluded. [UNESA PR]
Author: Esti
Editor: @zam*
photo : Photo by Teguh Setiawan from Pexels and personal documentation
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