Commemorating National Veterans Day 2026, Defence Minister Sjafrie Urges Young Generation to Emulate the Values of Struggle

Minister of Defence Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin has emphasised the importance of instilling the value of honour in the younger generation as an identity and moral foundation for continuing the nation’s struggle. He made the remarks in a speech at the National Veterans Day 2026 commemoration held at Balai Sudirman, Jakarta.

Sjafrie stressed that the value of honour held by veterans is not merely a symbolic formality, but a tangible result of their commitment to service and the sacrifice of body and soul for the sovereignty of the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia.

“This honour is very important for us, the younger generation, the next generation. Because the value of honour is the result of our dedication to the state and nation. And that honour remains attached to the individual, to the person, and continues to serve as a symbol of a fighter’s character,” Sjafrie said in a statement on Sunday (16/8/2026).

Sjafrie believes that the legacy of spirit and moral values demonstrated by veterans must be absorbed and implemented by the next generation amid the dynamic challenges of the times.

National Veterans Day, commemorated every 10 August, serves as a moment of national reflection to cultivate patriotism among the public as well as a form of state recognition for the services of independence fighters. Through upholding the values of personal and national honour, the Defence Minister is optimistic that Indonesia’s younger generation will be able to safeguard the unity, sovereignty and dignity of the nation on the global stage.