MUHAMMADIYAH.OR.ID, YOGYAKARTA – The Ambassador of Indonesia to Lebanon Hajriyanto Y. Thohari emphasized the critical importance of cultural sovereignty for a nation’s progress and continuity.
Hajriyanto explained that the Arabic word for sovereignty, “daulah,” signifies a cyclical nature of power and influence. He then delved into the Indonesian definition, noting that “daulat” is often translated as “sovereignty” or “rule.” From this, he concluded that cultural sovereignty represents a nation’s inherent cultural power.
“As a part of a great nation, we should strive to preserve our culture and avoid being dominated by foreign cultures,” Hajriyanto asserted.
He further elaborated on the concept of cultural hegemony, citing the Italian philosopher Antonio Gramsci. Gramsci described hegemony as a subtle form of cultural influence that becomes so normalized it is almost imperceptible. Hajriyanto argued that this poses a significant challenge to nations worldwide, including Indonesia.
To illustrate the impact of cultural hegemony, Hajriyanto compared the Arab world. He divided Arab nations into two categories: traditional or conservative and progressive. He observed that conservative Arab nations, such as those in the Gulf such as Kuwait, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates, have been more successful in preserving their cultural identity and achieving higher standards of living.
“I’ve observed that conservative Arab nations have strongly held onto their cultures and proudly show them on the international stage. Interestingly, these conservative nations, like Qatar with its per capita income exceeding US$100,000, often outpace the so-called progressive nations.”
In contrast, progressive Arab nations like Lebanon, Egypt, Syria, Tunisia, and Algeria which have been more influenced by Western culture, have faced economic challenges. For instance, Syria and Egypt have a per capita income of less than USD 2,000, which is considerably lower than that of more conservative Arab nations.
Reflecting Sumpah Pemuda (Youth Pledge), Hajriyanto emphasized the importance of unity and cultural preservation. He highlighted language as a crucial element of national identity and hoped that Muhammadiyah, with its extensive educational network, would play a pivotal role in strengthening the cultural sovereignty of Indonesia.
“Muhammadiyah, with its numerous educational institutions, especially universities, has immense potential to contribute to the preservation and development of our national culture,” said Hajriyanto.
