Independence and the Hope of a New Indonesia

Jakarta - On August 17, 2024, the Republic of Indonesia will celebrate its 79th Independence Day. This independence celebration needs to be celebrated and interpreted with concrete works that can affect the welfare of citizens and the advancement of science and technology, especially in this digital era.

Independence celebrations are not only limited to remembering historical moments, but should also be a momentum to strengthen the intellectual and academic foundations of the nation. In this fast-paced digital era, it is important for us to build a strong academic tradition as a foundation for producing highly competitive innovations.

In addition, by building a solid science, we can advance the nation as a whole, both in terms of economy, social, and culture. Only by mastering science and technology, we can face global challenges and take advantage of the opportunities that exist for common welfare. Therefore, the spirit of independence must be accompanied by the determination to continue learning, developing ourselves, and contributing to the progress of the nation amidst the changing dynamics of the world.

The independence that has been achieved by the Indonesian people is a priceless gift, but it also brings great challenges for each generation to continue to fill it with a spirit that is in line with the noble values of Pancasila and the 1945 Constitution. Pancasila, as the foundation of the state and moral guidance, and the 1945 Constitution as the constitutional foundation, must be the spirit of our struggle in every step of the nation's development.

Civil society groups and the government, especially in the context of the new government, must demonstrate a strong commitment to Indonesian values and nationalism. This commitment should not just be an expression, but should be realized in concrete actions that prioritize the interests of the nation above all else.

Indonesianness and nationality are the foundations that bind us as a diverse country, with various ethnicities, religions, races, cultures and languages. Therefore, in every policy and step taken by the government, there must always be an awareness that the interests of the country must be above the interests of individuals, groups, political parties, or certain groups.

Expectations of the New Government

The government, especially the new government that will begin its tenure in October 2024, has a great responsibility to keep the policies taken from being distorted by narrow interests that only benefit a small number of groups. The interests of individuals or groups must not trump the greater common interest, namely the welfare and progress of the nation as a whole.

This is important to ensure that every decision taken truly reflects the aspirations of the people and national needs, not just to fulfill a particular political agenda.

Civil society also has a very important role to play in keeping the government on the right track. They must be critical guardians of government policies, as well as constructive partners in the development of the country.

In a democracy, it is natural that there are various competing interests. However, this competition must remain within a healthy corridor and not undermine national unity. By prioritizing the interests of the country above all else, we can build a stronger, fairer and more prosperous Indonesia.

This is also a reflection of the spirit of gotong royong that has long characterized the Indonesian nation. All parties, both government and civil society, must continue to strive to maintain and strengthen this spirit in order to create a better Indonesia in the future.

Global Challenges and Demands

Today's global challenges and demands are increasingly complex and dynamic, putting significant pressure on the academic world, the public sector, and the general public to continue to prepare and mature in the face of various changes that occur.

In a global era characterized by the rapid development of information and communication technology, the world seems to be a “global village”, where distance and geographical boundaries are no longer a barrier to interaction and collaboration (McLuhan, 1994).

The academic world, as the center of scientific development and innovation, is faced with the challenge of continuously updating the curriculum and teaching methods to be relevant to the needs of the times. Academics and students must be prepared to face increasingly fierce global competition by increasing competence, both in terms of theoretical knowledge and practical skills.

This requires universities to not only be a place of knowledge transfer, but also an incubator for critical thinking, innovation and solutions to various global problems. They need to be open to international cooperation, utilize digital technology to expand access to education, and encourage research that can make a real contribution to the development of science and the welfare of society.

The public sector, including governments and state institutions, must also adapt to changing global demands. Public policies can no longer be made with a narrow view and limited to the local context, but must consider global dynamics that affect many aspects of life.

The government is required to be more responsive, transparent and innovative in managing the country, taking into account international standards and best practices that apply in various countries. In addition, public services must also be improved by utilizing digital technology to reach more people and provide more efficient and effective services.

These global challenges force us to look at the world with a broader perspective and understand that we are all part of an interconnected global community. Distance no longer separates us, and with technology advancing, interactions between countries and cultures are becoming more intense.

Therefore, we must continue to prepare ourselves, mature and improve our capacities in various aspects of life. Only in this way can we compete and survive in a rapidly evolving and changing world.

The Role of UIN and PTKIN

State Islamic Universities (UIN) and State Islamic Religious Universities (PTKIN) have a strategic role in strengthening the values of tawassuth, or moderation in religion and social life, amid the dynamics of Indonesia's diverse society. The value of tawassuth is very important, especially in the context of facing global and local challenges colored by narratives of extremism.

In Indonesia, known as the country with the largest Muslim population in the world, maintaining interfaith harmony and promoting moderation are crucial efforts to maintain social and religious stability.

Tawassuth, or moderation, teaches us to be in the middle, not getting caught up in views that are too extreme, either to the right or to the left. In religion, moderation means maintaining a balance between practicing religious beliefs while respecting the differences and diversity that exist around us. Similarly, in social life, tawassuth teaches the importance of respecting and maintaining good relations with others, regardless of differences in religion, ethnicity, race, or class.

UIN and PTKIN, as higher education institutions that focus on Islamic studies, have a great responsibility in instilling these moderation values to students and the wider community.

By continuing to prioritize moderation as a foundation in religion and social life, we can jointly fight extremism and maintain the integrity of the nation. A peaceful and prosperous Indonesia can only be realized if all elements of society, including educational institutions, work together in promoting these moderation values.

Hopefully, with this independence celebration we can continue the struggle of our heroes, as part of our gratitude. Merdeka! (Prof. Asep Saepudin Jahar, MA, PhD, Rector of UIN Syarif Hidayatullah Jakarta).

This article was published by detik.com on Sunday, August 18, 2024