Jakarta (ANTARA) - Coordinating Minister for Political and Security Affairs Dudung Abdurachman has called on Indonesians to commemorate Heroes’ Day on November 10 by upholding the ideals and spirit of the nation’s heroes.
“We once rose because we were united. We won independence through courage, and we will move toward the future through hard work and the contributions of all Indonesians,” Abdurachman said in a statement here on Tuesday.
He stressed that the heroic spirit must remain alive through the courage to face challenges, dedication, and tangible contributions to national progress.
According to him, Indonesia’s history of struggle offers important lessons about the power of unity, from the 1908 National Awakening and the 1928 Youth Pledge to the struggle to defend independence on November 10, 1945.
These milestones demonstrate that courage, sacrifice, and unity form the foundation of national strength.
Today, however, the nation's challenges have evolved to include global geopolitical dynamics, economic competition, food and energy security, technological advances, and threats posed by cybercrime and disinformation.
Amid these complex challenges, Abdurachman emphasized the importance of safeguarding national resilience, political stability, security, and social solidarity as essential foundations for development.
He also urged the public to preserve national unity amid differing opinions and the dynamics of democracy.
He affirmed that freedom of expression and criticism of the government are important components of democracy, provided they are exercised responsibly and aimed at bringing about improvements.
“We may disagree, but let us not hate one another. We may criticize, but let us not divide our brotherhood,” he said.
Abdurachman also called on young people to build resilient characters, have the courage to make decisions, persevere in the face of difficulties, and take responsibility for the risks they face.
“Never fear risks, because whatever we face has been considered and analyzed. Life involves risks. But if our conscience is strong, we must have the courage to face whatever comes our way, including the risks themselves,” he said.