BAKOM urges public to celebrate independence with empathy
The Government Communication Agency (BAKOM) has urged the public to ensure that the Merdeka Night celebrations for the 81st Anniversary of Indonesian Independence are carried out with empathy and concern for communities affected by disasters in several regions.
Deputy for Communication Strategy and Systems at BAKOM, Fahd Pahdepie, said that expressions of gratitude during the independence celebrations should remain mindful of the conditions faced by fellow citizens who are dealing with misfortune.
“The government urges that the celebrations or expressions of gratitude during the joint arts night be carried out with empathy, in a measured manner, and with consideration for our friends and relatives who are experiencing difficulties,” Fahd said during a press conference for Merdeka Night in Jakarta on Monday.
The government has previously expressed its deepest condolences to communities affected by the earthquake in East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) and several other regions, including North Sumatra.
Fahd said the government has been handling the situation since information about the disasters was received. President Prabowo Subianto has also instructed government officials to immediately provide assistance and monitor the handling and recovery process in the affected areas.
At the same time, the government is continuing with the series of events for the 81st Anniversary of Indonesian Independence that were planned well in advance. One of these is Merdeka Night, which features various arts, music, fashion, and creative performances.
BAKOM considers the celebration to be part of the public’s expression of gratitude for independence as well as a moment to showcase the cultural richness and strength of the Indonesian nation.
However, this year’s independence celebration is expected to be not only a space for joy but also a moment to strengthen solidarity and brotherhood.
“So that independence day or the expression of gratitude can also become a moment to nurture unity, maintain solidarity, and create an atmosphere full of kinship, brotherhood, and mutual cooperation,” he said.
For this reason, the series of Merdeka Night activities has also been directed to accommodate public participation in providing support to disaster victims. Members of the public attending the area around Monas are expected to pray for those affected by the disasters while also building solidarity.
BAKOM has also communicated this to ministries and agencies so that the independence celebration series can be used as a moment to strengthen unity and solidarity, including collecting aid for communities affected by disasters in NTT and other regions.
In addition to arts performances, the decorated vehicle carnival that is part of Merdeka Night has also been designed as a representation of the cultural diversity of the archipelago.
The carnival is expected to showcase Indonesia’s cultural richness while fostering a sense of pride and optimism among the public about the nation’s future.
“On one hand we are experiencing or facing an atmosphere of grief, but happiness and gratitude must continue. That is also part of the tradition or expression of public gratitude that the government must accommodate with its best efforts,” Fahd said.
With this, the government hopes that the 81st Anniversary of Indonesian Independence celebrations can take place in a balanced manner, providing space for the public to celebrate independence while also demonstrating empathy, care, and mutual cooperation towards those facing disasters.