Deputy Defence Minister: Siri' Na Pacce Values as a Source of National Strength
Makassar (ANTARA) - Deputy Defence Minister Donny Ermawan has said that the Bugis-Makassar cultural philosophy of Siri’ Na Pacce represents a source of national strength in the context of state defence.
Speaking at a Ramadan Leadership Camp in Makassar on Sunday, Ermawan noted that according to the 2025 National Defence Index (IBN) results, South Sulawesi province recorded a score of 3.632, placing it in the high category on a scale of 1 to 5.
This achievement indicates that stability in the South Sulawesi region remains well-maintained, underpinned by national defence values that have been internalised within the community.
On the internal component of the National Defence Index, South Sulawesi obtained a score of 3.530, reflecting that the perceptions of the public — including civil servants, community leaders and the younger generation — towards national defence values fall within the high category.
Meanwhile, on the external component, South Sulawesi recorded a score of 3.871, higher than the internal component. This score demonstrates that the social environment, governance, human development and public participation in South Sulawesi strongly support the strengthening of national defence awareness.
Nevertheless, Ermawan assessed that there remains room for improvement, particularly among the younger generation. He encouraged the internalisation of South Sulawesi’s local wisdom values, such as Siri’ Na Pacce, as part of strengthening honour, solidarity and national responsibility.
“Looking at the existing index, civil servants can focus on which areas need improvement. Local values such as Siri’ Na Pacce hold great power to strengthen national defence awareness,” he said before hundreds of civil servants within the South Sulawesi provincial government.
According to Ermawan, civil servants hold a strategic role not only as implementers of public policy but also as a binding force for national unity. For this reason, strengthening national insight is considered crucial to ensure that the professionalism and neutrality of civil servants are maintained amid political dynamics.
“The strength of this nation lies in unity. In the past, we were able to drive out the colonisers because we were united. We must not allow political contestation to divide us now,” he affirmed.
Furthermore, Ermawan explained that state defence encompasses the determination, attitude and actions of citizens to safeguard national sovereignty, territorial integrity and the safety of the nation, grounded in love for the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia based on Pancasila and the 1945 Constitution.