DPD Speaker: Indonesians' Love for Country Endures Through Crises
Indonesia remains standing firm in the face of various conflicts, crises and historical trials because its people have never stopped loving the country, according to DPD RI Speaker Sultan B Najamudin.
“Indonesia remains standing firm because its people have never stopped loving this nation,” Sultan said at the 2026 Annual Session of the MPR and the Joint Session of the DPR-DPD at the Parliament Complex in Jakarta on Friday.
Sultan said the Indonesian nation has faced numerous trials, from economic crises, natural disasters and the pandemic to political turbulence and various events throughout its history.
According to him, love for Indonesia is also reflected in communities across the regions who continue to carry out their respective roles under all kinds of conditions.
He cited the example of teachers who continue to teach despite limited classroom facilities, midwives who continue to serve even when they must travel long distances, and farmers and fishermen who keep working in the face of unpredictable natural conditions.
“There are village officials who continue to serve in remote corners of the country. And mothers who continue to safeguard their children’s future even when life is not always easy,” he said.
A total of 225 exemplary figures and 12 Youth Parliament participants from various ministries and institutions attended the annual event.
In his speech, Sultan said the tests facing Indonesian democracy are becoming increasingly challenging, but they require courage, unity, trust and exemplary leadership.
“From this honourable joint chamber, the DPD RI calls on all elements of the nation to strengthen unity and integrity, as the greatest asset of our nation,” he said.
Sultan also reminded that differences in political views and policy approaches are part of democracy. However, such differences must not erase love for Indonesia.
“Javanese wisdom reminds us, ‘rukun agawe santoso, crah agawe bubrah’. Harmony brings strength, division brings destruction. Therefore, different choices must not sever brotherhood, and different views must not weaken the national purpose,” he said.
He assessed that the Mapulus value shows that self-reliance can grow from equal partnership and solidarity that transcends social boundaries.
“Above all differences there is the red and white. Above all interests there is the republic. Above every power there is the sovereignty of the people,” Sultan said.