Ismail Marzuki As Inspiration, Heroes' Struggle Through Art

JAKARTA - Not all Indonesian heroes struggle by taking up arms. Indonesian warriors in the past showed their devotion to the nation through various fields, from diplomacy to arts and literature. One of them is Ismail Marzuki.

The historian who graduated from the State University of Jakarta and founder of the Indonesian Historia Community (KHI), Asep Kambali, advised the younger generation to pursue their respective fields in order to contribute to the nation and state.

"Remember, the hero doesn't have to hold a gun, you know. Some of them write songs, Ismail Marzuki, don't join the war. Some write letters, Kartini. Some write literary works, Abdul Muis. MH Thamrin," Asep said as quoted by ANTARA, Thursday, November 11.

"Then fight in your respective fields. Contribute to the nation and the country. Make your best products or works, then you will be remembered," he continued.

For example, Asep explained that continuing the fighting spirit of today's heroes can be done by spreading positive content on social media.

He continued, that by spreading positive content such as history-themed content, the younger generation can cultivate the spirit of nationalism in the wider community so that they can contribute to the struggle against forgetting history.

Asep also invites the younger generation to create new history through their respective fields so that they can be remembered by future generations.

According to him, taking value from history is very important for the young generation living today, but creating history is even more important.

"Minang is famous for rendang, Bali for betutu chicken. But that's a cultural product from hundreds or even thousands of years ago. Well, we have to create a new history, a new culture that is useful for the future. And we will be remembered as a generation of creators, generations fighters," said Asep.

"History is written by those who win, but the future is created by those of us who struggle," he continued.

In addition, Asep said, the younger generation must also be present like a puzzle, becoming one piece of solution to solve various kinds of problems facing the country.

"So when the map of Indonesia is composed of pieces of solution, it will be cool. But if young people are present as one piece of the problem, then Indonesia will not be cool, it will not progress. Therefore, create communities that contribute to the nation, " he said.