Bachtiar Nasir: Independence Cannot Be Commemorated with Ceremony Alone
The Indonesian Muslim Journalists Union (SAJID) together with the AQL Islamic Center launched a social movement distributing 81,000 free meal packages and 81,000 basic food parcels to welcome the 81st Anniversary of the Independence of the Republic of Indonesia. The programme, valued at approximately Rp14 billion, runs for 11 days, from 7 to 17 August 2026.
The movement commenced in front of the AQL Islamic Center in Tebet, South Jakarta, on Friday (7/8/2026). Since morning, hundreds of online motorcycle taxi drivers, bajaj and public minivan drivers, informal workers, and local residents arrived to receive free breakfast packages.
Among them was Indra, an online motorcycle taxi driver. Before starting his work looking for passengers, he received a food package for breakfast. For workers whose income depends on daily orders, a packet of food means an expense that can be saved. ‘I am happy to get this free food. It is helpful for breakfast before I start picking up passengers. I hope activities like this continue because they really help us,’ said Indra.
SAJID Chairman Ustaz Bachtiar Nasir stated the programme was deliberately linked to the age of Indonesia’s independence. The number 81 was realised through the distribution of 81,000 food packages and 81,000 basic food parcels. However, according to Bachtiar, the message intended goes beyond the numerical symbol. The commemoration of independence, he said, should be a momentum to look back at the extent to which society has felt the meaning of independence in daily life, including in meeting the most basic need: food.
‘SAJID, in the context of 81 years of the Independence of the Republic of Indonesia, is organising a programme of 81,000 food packages and 81,000 basic food parcels. To fellow journalists, let us join and work together. Independence is food sovereignty in our hands. Independence is when everyone can eat. Independence!’ said Bachtiar.
Bachtiar stated that independence should not only be present in ceremonies, flag hoisting, or various events leading up to 17 August. Independence, according to him, needs to be translated into actions whose benefits can be felt directly by the community. Food is one of the fundamental aspects of this interpretation. Therefore, SAJID and the AQL Islamic Center chose the act of sharing food and basic necessities as part of the commemoration of 81 years of Indonesia’s independence. ‘This programme is part of our efforts to strengthen food security while fostering a spirit of sharing and mutual cooperation within society. The benefits of independence must be felt by all Indonesian people,’ said Bachtiar.