Puan Invites To Make The 2025 National Awakening A Momentum For Reflection On The Nation's Struggle

Chairman of the Indonesian House of Representatives, Puan Maharani, invites all elements of the nation to make the commemoration of the 2025 National Awakening Day a reflection momentum on the direction of Indonesia's current struggle.

He emphasized the importance of reviving the national spirit of the predecessors in the midst of the challenges of the times, not just ceremonial May 20 every year.

"We should remember the spirit of the founding fathers of the nation who started the national revival with great courage and determination. But today, the revival must be interpreted as collective courage to fix fundamental things that are still our common homework," said Puan, Tuesday, May 20.

As is known, the National Awakening was driven by the formation of the Budi Utomo organization on May 20, 1908, the idea of Dr. Sutomo and STOVIA (medical school for natives) students. Dr. Sutomo and his friends intend to establish organizations engaged in social, economic, and cultural fields.

The idea came after they saw the condition of the Indonesian people, which at that time was very concerning due to Dutch colonialism. Dr. Sutomo and STOVIA students founded Budi Utomo in order to catch up with the Indonesian people from other nations.

The next milestone in Indonesian history is the Youth Pledge which was pronounced during the Il Youth Congress in Jakarta on October 28, 1928 as a pledge made by Indonesian youths to achieve the ideals of the establishment of the Indonesian state.

At that time, the youths admitted that their homeland was one of Indonesia's homeland. They emphasized that their nation is one of the Indonesian people. And they uphold one language of Indonesian language unity.

The last event that became a milestone in Indonesia's history was the Proclamation of Indonesian Independence. The text of the Proclamation was read by the proclaimer and first President of Indonesia, Sukarno on August 17, 1945, at his residence, on Jalan Pegangsaan Timur No. 56, Jakarta.

Puan also reminded that Indonesia's long history should not be forgotten. "It is our duty together to remember the journey of the nation even though the times continue to change. Even if there are bitter pills in history, it is part of the establishment of Indonesia that should not be forgotten," said Bung Karno's grandson.

Puan then quoted Bung Karno's motto as an effort to remind the Indonesian people not to forget the history of the struggle for independence and the services of the heroes and founders of the nation.

JAS MERAH: Never Forget History! This is important so that the younger generation does not misinterpret the history of their own nation," said Puan.

History is a reflection of the nation's journey that forms our identity, and only by understanding and appreciating it, can we move forward wisely," he continued.

Furthermore, Puan highlighted a number of real challenges faced by Indonesia, such as social inequality, uneven quality of education, and low public trust in state institutions. According to him, the spirit of national revival can be carried out by fighting for the values of justice, transparency, and partiality to the small people.

"We cannot turn a blind eye to the gaps that are still felt by many of our brothers in remote parts of the country. Growth must be felt evenly, not just reflected in numbers. Democracy must reach all levels of society, not just belonging to a handful of groups," said Puan.

The former Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Culture also emphasized that the DPR RI would also be part of this spirit of revival. Puan said that the DPR continues to open up spaces for criticism and aspirations from the public.

"Because the function of representation cannot be carried out without hearing the people's voices directly. The DPR continues to strive to become an institution that reflects public expectations," he said.

At the commemoration of this National Awakening Day, Puan also invited all Indonesian people, especially the younger generation, to make the spirit of national revival a foothold to continue to move forward.

"Bangkit means being brave enough to improve, be willing to listen, and continue to learn to become a more mature and competitive nation. This is the spirit of national revival that is relevant for the present and future," concluded Puan.