MUHAMMADIYAH.OR.ID, YOGYAKARTA – A professor of Universitas Teknologi Muhammadiyah Jakarta Prof. Lela Nuelaela Wati emphasized that independence should be viewed beyond the mere absence of colonial rule. True independence is about a nation’s ability to be self-sufficient, sovereign, and to realize the aspirations of its founding fathers.
“Independence is our ability to solve problems and achieve genuine prosperity,” said Prof. Laela in the Muhammadiyah monthly preaching on Friday (August 9).
She explained that independence and prosperity are closely intertwined, as evidenced by factors such as political sovereignty, economic strength, control over natural resources, political stability, increased public participation, and access to education and empowerment.
However, Prof. Laela acknowledged that Indonesia still faces numerous challenges hindering its path to prosperity. These include economic and social inequality, unemployment, limited job opportunities, corruption, educational disparities, environmental crises, unchecked urbanization, and uneven digital transformation.
To address these issues, she proposed several solutions: eradicating corruption, improving the quality of education, developing equitable infrastructure, empowering small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), reforming governance, strengthening food and energy sovereignty, and enhancing financial inclusion.
In conclusion, Prof. Laela stressed the importance of collaboration among all elements of society to achieve true prosperity.
“Allah has bestowed upon us abundant natural resources. As a form of gratitude for the blessing of independence, we must protect and manage these resources for the prosperity and progress of our beloved Indonesia,” said Prof. Laela.
