MUHAMMADIYAH. OR. ID, YOGYAKARTA – President of Muhammadiyah Haedar Nashir called upon all Indonesians to reflect deeply on the significance of the 79th Independence Day of Indonesia.
Haedar emphasized that while celebrating independence brings joy and gratitude, it is equally important to contemplate the true meaning of freedom and the fundamental values that underpin Indonesia. He cautioned against reducing the celebration to mere festivities without grasping the deeper significance of independence.
“Is Pancasila truly the soul, spirit, or lifeblood of the Republic of Indonesia in governance and policy-making? Are all Indonesian citizens and leaders consistently thinking, behaving, and acting based on the fundamental values of Pancasila?” questioned Haedar during his remark in Yogyakarta on Friday, August 16.
Haedar stressed that Pancasila should be more than just a slogan or an abstract concept. It should be a guiding principle for all aspects of Indonesian life, including politics, economics, education, and culture. He called for a renewed commitment to practicing Pancasila in everyday life and ensuring that it is reflected in all government policies and decisions.
“The power within the government—whether in the executive, legislative, judicial branches, or other government-formed institutions—should firmly stand on the foundational values of Pancasila and the Indonesian Constitution. Religion and culture should become the moral and ethical foundations of the Indonesian identity,” said Haedar.
As Indonesia celebrates its 79th year of independence, Haedar stressed the importance of internalizing and practicing the core values by the core principles that define the nation. He cautioned against merely putting on a show of patriotism without truly embracing the values that underpin Indonesia’s identity.
“Let us cultivate the spirit of Indonesia to create a truly great nation: one that is free, united, sovereign, just, and prosperous, as our founding fathers envisioned. Let us guide our beloved country and people towards their noble aspirations,” said Haedar.
He reminded the nation of the centuries of suffering inflicted upon Indonesians by colonial powers, who exploited the country’s land and resources. He emphasized that many of the brave fighters who sacrificed their lives for independence remain unsung heroes, with no official recognition or even names attached to their memory.
“Therefore, we should not allow Indonesia to succumb to despair or lose its vitality. Corruption, abuse of power, money politics, transactional politics, political dynasties, national debt, mismanagement, and deviations in the management of natural resources are all betrayals of the spirit that ignited the independence of our nation,” said Haedar.
Haedar further emphasized that the erosion of moral and ethical standards in government is a direct assault on the character of this nation.
“The responsibility to keep the nation alive and on the right path relies on the leaders,” said Haedar.
He urged Indonesian leaders to exemplify the core values of Pancasila, religion, and culture, while honoring the nation’s rich history. He called upon them to prioritize national interests over personal gain, cronyism, dynastic ambitions, or factionalism, and to embody the true spirit of a statesman.
Quoting Mr. Soepomo’s speech, Haedar reminded the leaders, “The Head of State and government must lead by example, inspiring the nation toward lofty ideals. The state should be a collective conscience, crafting laws that reflect the will of the people.”
“Indonesian leaders must embody selflessness, placing the needs of the nation above their own, with a commitment to giving rather than taking, and ensuring they never exploit the country for personal gain,” said Haedar.
Haedar further quoted the former U.S. President John F. Kennedy, saying, “Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country.”
“Indonesia should not lose its soul because its citizens and elites act recklessly, becoming power-hungry, throne-seeking, and worldly glory-chasing individuals. Indonesian leaders, including scholars, should be the guardians of integrity and statesmanship, rooted in the noble values of Pancasila, religion, and culture of this nation,” said Haedar.
In his closing remark, Haedar implored the elite to uphold truth, morality, ethics, and knowledge as they steer the nation towards progress. He demanded unwavering loyalty to the country and its people, even if it meant sacrificing personal interests.
“The elite of this nation should prioritize national interest over personal ambition. Instead of building self-serving legacies, they should become stewards of the noble values of this nation. To secure divine blessings, Indonesia needs leaders who embody goodness, faith, and piety. Economic, political, and physical progress are meaningless without a strong moral foundation. We risk becoming a hollow nation if we lose our core values,” said Haedar.
