Nugerahi Marga Batak, Erick Thohir: Make Diversity Into Indonesian Power

Minister of SOEs, Erick Thohir. (Photo: Special)

JAKARTA - Minister of State-Owned Enterprises (BUMN) Erick Thohir received a gift, namely being appointed as a child by the Batak ethnic group in the Mangain Anak and Mangalahat Horbo traditional ceremony in Samosir, North Sumatra, which took place on Saturday, November 26, 2022. With this award, he holds the son of Tomok from Samosir, with the name Erick Thohir Sidabutar.

"It is an honor for me to be appointed son of the Harry Boss Sidabutar extended family to be part of Bangso Batak. I hope that this bond of brotherhood, as conveyed by Opung Adian Napitupulu, and My Tulang, Mustar Manurung, brotherhood is not a time of pleasure. But also during times of trouble," Erick said at the time of giving a speech after the traditional ceremony, quoted from a written statement, Monday, November 28.

The procession for the Batak clan coincided with the Tao Toba Heritage Festival at the Lopo Samosir Hotel. This festival was held to invite residents to explore Lake Toba (Tao Toba) in one day full of Cultural Experience, Music Festival, MSME Booth, and Fun Ride & Visit Toba Heritage.

Erick invites all components of the nation to make the difference in ethnicity, culture, and geographical location spread across more than 17,000 islands as a force.

"Never ask who we are. Because we are a mixture of various ethnic groups in Indonesia. But what we must ask is, what has been done for our nation. We must make this diversity a strength. Don't always be a question, which continues to be questioned when we want conflict," Erick said.

He also invited the people of Samosir to remind them of the fate of big countries that must be divided because they are not able to strengthen the unity of their diversity. One example is the sadness which is now divided into several Balkan countries.

"For example, look at my son. His president, Josip Broz Tito, is the friend of our First President, President Soekarno. As a result of many encouragements, it was finally divided into various countries. It was the same with Syria whose countries were divided. It was not profitable," said Erick.

As a strong and united country, according to Erick, Indonesia has bright potential because it already has important economic capital. However, this potential will be disrupted if Indonesia falls into a split that can suppress the acceleration of economic growth.

"It is impossible for the economy to grow if Indonesia is in turmoil. In this case, economic growth creates jobs. This is what we must protect," he said.

The momentum of awarding the Batak Suku Bangsa to Erick can at the same time be a reminder of the need for hard work.

"The Batak nation is a hard worker. They always want their successors to live better lives. It is an extraordinary culture," said Erick.