Gotong Royong as the Nation's Identity: Is It Still Relevant?
Have we ever noticed that life today feels increasingly practical, yet on the other hand, human relationships are becoming more distant? Shopping can be done from home, food arrives with just a few taps on a phone screen, and even meetings can take place without meeting face to face. Technological progress indeed brings many conveniences. However, without realising it, these changes also affect the way we interact with others.
In the midst of a fast-paced life, the value of gotong royong is often considered an old culture that is being abandoned. In fact, gotong royong is not merely a village tradition or a community service activity to clean the environment. More than that, gotong royong is a spirit of mutual help, care, and cooperation to achieve a common goal. This value has long been one of the greatest strengths of the Indonesian nation.
When a natural disaster strikes, for example, people from various regions compete to send aid regardless of ethnicity, religion, or background. On campus, students help each other complete group assignments and organise social activities for the community. In the digital world, many people raise funds online to help those experiencing difficulties. All these examples prove that gotong royong is still alive, only its form has adapted to the times.
Unfortunately, we cannot turn a blind eye to the existing challenges. An individualistic lifestyle is beginning to grow alongside increasing busyness and competition. Quite a few people are more focused on personal interests than the common good. Social media, which should be a space for sharing kindness, is sometimes instead filled with debates, hate speech, and attitudes of putting each other down. If this condition continues, it is not impossible that the value of gotong royong will increasingly fade.
As the younger generation, we have an important role in preserving this value. Gotong royong does not have to be manifested through big things. Respecting the opinions of others, helping friends in difficulty, participating in keeping the environment clean, volunteering in social activities, and using social media to spread positive information are simple forms of gotong royong that have a major impact.
In the modern era, technological progress should not be a reason to reduce a sense of care for others. Instead, technology can be utilised as a means to strengthen social solidarity. When society is able to combine technological progress with the values of togetherness, Indonesia will not only become a digitally advanced nation but also remain strong in character and culture.
Ultimately, gotong royong is still very relevant in the modern era. This value is not merely a cultural heritage, but a necessity in social life. Because the challenges of the times cannot be faced alone. A strong nation is one whose people are able to walk together, strengthen each other, and not lose their sense of care amidst the swift currents of modernisation. Preserving the spirit of gotong royong means safeguarding the identity of the Indonesian nation so that it remains alive from generation to generation.