Commemorating Indonesian Independence and Efforts Toward Prosperity

Prof. Dr. Imam Subchi, M.A.
Professor of Religious Anthropology at UIN Syarif Hidayatullah Jakarta

On Friday, August 14, 2026, President Prabowo Subianto delivered a speech at the Annual Session of the MPR RI and the Joint Session of the MPR, DPR, and DPD RI at the Nusantara Building, Parliament Complex, Senayan, Jakarta. The speech was delivered just days before the commemoration of the 81st anniversary of Indonesian independence. In that state forum, Prabowo did not only speak about the government's achievements, but also touched upon various issues directly related to public life, including welfare and the future direction of Indonesia's development.

One interesting aspect was how the President framed the nation's major issues through stories of ordinary citizens. In his speech, Prabowo introduced Susanah, a daily wage worker from Bogor Regency who works peeling onions, as well as Margarelitha Rohi from Kupang who runs a small business while caring for her family members. The stories of both women were presented as an illustration of how government assistance programs directly touch the lives of the people. From this, it is evident that development issues do not stop at economic growth figures, but also concern how the state ensures that its citizens obtain the opportunity to live a more decent life.

In a broader context, state speeches preceding independence day celebrations also serve as a space to revisit a number of the nation's strategic agendas: strengthening food security, building a more equitable economy, and ensuring that democracy remains a vital part of Indonesia's journey. These themes ultimately lead us to a more fundamental question: as we celebrate August 17 once again, what kind of independence do we truly wish to define and realize together?

Building the Culture of an Advanced Indonesia 

For Bung Karno, independence was merely a golden bridge. "Independence is a golden bridge. On the other side of that bridge, we perfect our society," said Bung Karno. Commemorating Independence every August 17 is not simply remembering a date, but building a culture of freedom and self-determination. Therefore, independence commemorations always hold a special place in the collective memory of society. It serves as an opportunity to pause, look back at history, and realize that the freedom we enjoy today was born out of a long struggle.

This interpretation becomes all the more crucial when the state and society are facing difficult times. Economic issues, inequality, political dynamics, and various social challenges can make the national atmosphere feel heavy. However, such difficulties should not cause us to lose our reason to celebrate independence. It is precisely in situations like these that the spirit of independence needs to be kept alive. Celebrating it does not mean turning a blind eye to the nation's problems, but rather providing a space for us to honor those who fought in the past so that today's generation would have the opportunity to determine its own future.

Because of this, August 17 always arrives as a joyful moment close to the hearts of the people. In various places, independence day is celebrated through flag-raising ceremonies, competitions, community gatherings, and the display of flags along with red-and-white ornaments around homes, villages, schools, and offices. At a glance, all of this might appear simple. However, behind the festivities lies the way society preserves a shared memory that independence is not something that came on its own.

The joy in celebrating August 17 carries a deeper meaning than mere annual festivities. Behind the games, ceremonies, and red-and-white decorations adorning the environment lies a tribute to the heroes who sacrificed their energy, minds, wealth, and even their lives. Independence is worthy of celebration because sacrifice preceded it. However, the best tribute to that struggle is not merely remembering it, but directing that independence toward realizing the ideals of the nation's founding figures: bringing forth an Indonesia that is just and prosperous for all its people.

Wisdom of the Onion Peeler: Ideals Toward Golden Indonesia 

If independence is to be continually defined as a tribute to the struggles of the heroes, then the ideals they passed down must also be striven for in today's national life. One of those ideals is the realization of justice and prosperity for all people. 

Independence does not end with a nation's liberation from colonialism, but finds its meaning when every citizen possesses a fair opportunity to live, work, and enjoy the fruits of development. Therefore, the reflection on August 17 should also serve as a momentum to look back and see whether those ideals are drawing closer to the lives of the people.

In the context of President Prabowo Subianto's administration, attention to grassroots communities forms a vital part of efforts to achieve these ideals. Mentioning the story of the onion peeling worker in the President's speech—with income mentioned as reaching IDR 700,000 per kilogram—should be interpreted beyond a mere story with differing perceptions about a single job or figure.

It can serve as a catalyst for all levels of government that amidst major development agendas, the equitable distribution of welfare must remain a primary focus. Development must not only be felt in economic growth hubs, but must reach those working at the lowest tiers of society. Indonesia should look to neighboring countries like Vietnam in terms of economic growth, which reached 8.39% in the second quarter of 2026.

This is where the position of all elite state institutions—legislative, judicial, and especially the executive and cabinet—becomes essential. The elites are obligated to carry out the public mandate toward Golden Indonesia in accordance with their respective official oaths. While the President stands at the peak of governmental leadership, the journey toward justice and prosperity cannot be accomplished alone. The ministers are part of the larger train of government that must move in the same direction, aligned directly with the mandate to deliver equity. Every policy, program, and budget ought to have a tangible link to efforts aimed at expanding economic opportunities and improving public welfare.

At the end of the road, the people entrust their aspirations for welfare to their leaders. That trust must be answered with sincere hard work, dedication to those in need, and development whose outcomes can be widely felt. If the President is the commander leading the nation toward the gateway of economic glory, then the entire government apparatus must move with all their strength in that same direction. Thus, the spirit of August 17 does not stop as a historical celebration, but becomes the energy to bring forth an Indonesia that is increasingly just, prosperous, and closer to the ideals of its founding fathers.

This article was originally published on beritasatu on Monday, August 17, 2026.