Arief Rosyid advocates for film on the struggles of Syekh Yusuf Al-Makassari

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Arief Rosyid Hassan, Chairman of the Youth Wing of Syekh Yusuf Al-Makassari (AMSY), has proposed the creation of a feature film recounting the story of Syekh Yusuf Al-Makassari’s struggles. According to Arief, this should be done so that society, particularly the younger generation, can learn from the values of struggle inherited from Syekh Yusuf Al-Makassari. “This year’s commemoration of the 400th anniversary of Syekh Yusuf Al-Makassari is an important moment that is not merely ceremonial but also reflective. That is why we propose making a film about Syekh Yusuf for the big screen as part of the movement to ground the values inherited to the younger generation,” said Arief in an official press release received in Jakarta on Wednesday. According to Arief, Syekh Yusuf is a figure who brings an important synthesis between spirituality and activism, successfully demonstrating that awareness of God does not make a person detached from reality. Awareness of God, Arief continued, instead drove Syekh Yusuf to continuously do his best and make significant contributions to civilisation. “His thoughts and struggles transcend geographical boundaries, reaching various regions such as Banten, Makassar, and South Africa, emphasising universal values like justice, tolerance, spirituality, and the unity of humanity,” he stated. On the other hand, Arief assesses that the current younger generation faces major challenges in the form of identity crises, social polarisation, and the weakening of diversity values. Therefore, strategic efforts are needed to re-instill noble values inherited from Syekh Yusuf through relevant and inspirational approaches. Through film, young people will easily learn and embrace the spirit of struggle and religious values inherited from Syekh Yusuf. “The inherited values—from steadfast faith, courage in fighting injustice, to commitment to humanity—must be revived in the lives of today’s younger generation,” he said. With the existence of this film, Arief believes the younger generation will not lose their identity as children of the nation amid the strong currents of social polarisation.