Commemorating Harkitnas, Bekasi Regency Government Calls on Young People to Improve Quality in the Digital Era

The Bekasi Regency Government marked the 118th Hari Kebangkitan Nasional (Harkitnas) by emphasising the importance of building national independence through strengthening the quality of the younger generation amid the challenges of the digital era. The message was delivered by Bekasi Regency Secretary Endin Samsudin as he read the message of Minister of Communications and Digital Meutya Hafid at the Harkitnas ceremony at the Bekasi Regency Government Plaza, Cikarang Pusat, on Wednesday 20 May. In his address, Endin said that the spirit of National Awakening, born through the Boedi Oetomo organisation in 1908, became a milestone in the nation’s struggle, moving from physical resistance to intellectual and diplomatic endeavours. He argued that the spirit of awakening must remain relevant and adapt to changing times without losing the nation’s identity. “Philosophically, national awakening is a dynamic process that is mutatis mutandis, adapting to the challenges of the age without losing the national character,” Endin stated. He noted that the country’s current challenges have shifted from territorial sovereignty to sovereignty of information and digital transformation. Therefore, the theme of Harkitnas 2026, “Jaga Tunas Bangsa Demi Kedaulatan Negara” (Protecting the Nation’s Youth for National Sovereignty), serves as an important reminder to safeguard the younger generation as the foundation of the nation’s future. In the address, the Secretary also highlighted various national strategic programmes implemented under President Prabowo Subianto’s leadership, ranging from Free Nutritious Meals, education access through the construction of Sekolah Rakyat and Sekolah Garuda, to free health checks for the community. He said these measures form part of an integrated welfare ecosystem spanning education, health, and food security. The government is also strengthening local economies through the Desa/Kelurahan Merah Putih Cooperatives, which are aimed at becoming drivers of new village-level economies. “Through cooperatives, villagers should have closer access to fertilisers, financing, distribution of harvests, staple foods, affordable medicines and basic economic services,” Endin said. On this year’s Harkitnas, government focus also included protecting children in the digital space via full implementation of Government Regulation No. 17 of 2025 on the Governance of the Electronic System for Child Protection (PP Tunas). He noted that since 28 March 2026 the government has officially delayed access to social media for children under the age of 16, as an effort to create a healthy and safe digital environment for child development. Endin emphasised that Harkitnas is not merely an annual ceremony but a momentum to strengthen social solidarity, improve digital literacy, and foster a collective spirit in nation-building. “The 118th Hari Kebangkitan Nasional is a call for all elements of society to rekindle the Budi Utomo spirit in every facet of life,” he concluded. (H-2) Hari Kebangkitan Nasional is not merely a historical commemoration but a reminder of the birth of national awareness through the establishment of Boedi Oetomo in 1908. Bank Mandiri, on the occasion of Hari Kebangkitan Nasional, reaffirmed its commitment to be present and provide tangible benefits to the community. Meanwhile, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Saan Mustopa has confirmed President Prabowo Subianto’s attendance the following day. The President will deliver the KEM-PPKF RAPBN 2026 in the DPR on Hari Kebangkitan Nasional to strengthen the economy.