Coordinating Minister Muhaimin Calls on Public to Emulate the Spirit of National Heroes

Coordinating Minister for Community Empowerment (Menko PM) Muhaimin Iskandar has called on the public to emulate the spirit of the nation’s heroes as a foundation for facing various development challenges and realising a more advanced Indonesia. Speaking at a Shalawat Kebangsaan and cultural performance event held in conjunction with the Haul Pahlawan Bangsa at the Banyumas Vice Regent’s Hall in Purwokerto, Central Java, on Thursday evening, he said the values of the heroes’ struggle must be passed on to the younger generation so they can respond to the increasingly complex challenges of the times. “Alhamdulillah, we pray for the figures from Banyumas who are national heroes. I am confident we can continue their unfinished agenda of struggle,” he said. Muhaimin noted that Indonesia is currently facing various global challenges, ranging from economic uncertainty and geopolitical dynamics to the rapid advancement of science and technology. Therefore, the younger generation must be prepared through improved quality of education, skills, and the strengthening of character and national values. He added that Indonesia’s demographic bonus must be utilised to enhance the nation’s competitiveness. He also emphasised the importance of collaboration between the government, community organisations, educational institutions, Islamic boarding schools, and all elements of society in driving community empowerment. “There is no other way but collaboration. The government cannot work alone. All parties must move together to strengthen community resilience,” he said. According to him, community organisations and educational institutions that grew from grassroots initiatives have contributed greatly to Indonesia’s human resource development from before independence to the present day. On the occasion, Muhaimin explained that the Coordinating Ministry for Community Empowerment is tasked with coordinating various programmes for poverty alleviation and improving the quality of life. He also invited the public to strengthen their efforts through prayer and religious activities as part of addressing the nation’s problems. “May the spirit of the heroes give us the strength to continue working, collaborating, and giving our best for the community, the nation, and the state,” said Muhaimin, who is also the General Chairman of the National Awakening Party (PKB). The event was also attended by House of Representatives Commission VII member Siti Mukaromah, Banyumas Vice Regent Dwi Asih Lintarti, Acting Regent of Pekalongan Sukirman, and several community leaders. Speaking after the event, Siti Mukaromah said the Shalawat Kebangsaan and Haul Pahlawan Bangsa activities were an effort to preserve national values while honouring the services of figures who contributed to Banyumas and Indonesia. She said the momentum of 10 Muharram serves as a reminder for the community to remember the struggles of their predecessors and to strengthen spiritual awareness. “We hope the people of Banyumas will continue to remember the services of the heroes. What we enjoy today cannot be separated from the struggles and pioneering efforts of our predecessors,” she said. She added that the event, initiated by PKB Banyumas together with communities from Banyumas, Cilacap, Purbalingga, and surrounding areas, was also an invitation for the younger generation to make the example of the heroes an inspiration in their work and service to the nation.