Realising a More Substantive Independence

On 17 August 2026, the Indonesian nation will be exactly 81 years old in the embrace of independence. The number 81 is not merely a figure. It is a long narrative etched into every heartbeat of the nation’s children. It is a span of time sufficient for a generation to be born, grow, and witness change. At this mature age, it is fitting that we pause briefly from the bustle of routine. Not merely to celebrate with fireworks or boisterous competitions, but to draw a deep breath and reflect on the true meaning of ‘merdeka’ that we have tasted for 81 years.

Reflecting on independence at the age of 81 is a contemplation of the long journey of a nation. We are invited to remember that independence was not a gift that fell from the sky. It was the result of countless drops of sweat, tears, and blood. The nation’s founders, with all their limitations, succeeded in proclaiming independence in a modest house on Jalan Pegangsaan Timur. They did not possess sophisticated weaponry or a well-established economic base, but they had the greatest capital: the spirit of unity and the conviction that independence is the right of all nations. If they could achieve it with such minimal resources, we who now inherit the fruits of their labour should be able to fill this independence with even greater things.

Being grateful for the blessing of independence means possessing a high historical consciousness. A great nation is one that honours the services of its heroes. Our gratitude is not enough if merely spoken or posted on social media. It must be realised in concrete actions to keep the spirit of struggle alive. We should be grateful because, to this moment, Indonesia still stands firm amid the onslaught of globalisation and various multidimensional challenges. We can still breathe freely, determine our own direction, and voice opinions without fear. The political independence we have achieved is the basic capital for ‘achieving a more substantive independence’, namely economic independence, freedom of thought, and freedom to create.

However, reflecting on independence at 81 also means we must honestly look at reality. True gratitude is not a satisfaction that lulls us into complacency. Under the shelter of this independence, there are still our brothers and sisters living in deprivation, children who drop out of school and struggle to pay tuition fees, farmers who complain about fertiliser prices, workers who fight for their rights, a still-high level of inequality, and many people living below the poverty line. This is our challenge at the 81st year of independence.

Gratitude must also be understood in the context of the progress of the times. We should be grateful because at this age, technology has brought Indonesia into a revolutionary era. Young people in remote corners of the country can now access knowledge from the world’s best universities with just the palm of their hand. Farmers can monitor weather and commodity prices in real time. MSMEs can reach global markets without long distribution chains. Digital independence has opened new horizons for the nation’s progress. Yet behind this convenience, we are also faced with new challenges: gadget addiction, fake news or hoaxes that threaten unity, and a still-wide digital divide. Being grateful for the blessing of independence in the digital era means we must be wise in responding to every change and flow of information.

So, what is the concrete form of gratitude? Gratitude can begin with small things. A student can express gratitude for independence by studying diligently and achieving. A teacher by educating the nation’s generation. A civil servant by working honestly, cleanly, and serving the public with heart. An entrepreneur by creating jobs and not engaging in practices that harm the state. Artists and cultural figures by continuing to create and preserve local culture. Officials and leaders by working with full trust and responsibility, and not misusing their positions and authority. In other words, the foremost gratitude is service. Each of us has our own responsibility to serve the nation and state.

Gratitude also means we must be able to create great leaps. At an age that is no longer young, Indonesia should no longer merely be a market for foreign products or an exporter of raw materials. We must dare to leap into becoming an innovative and globally competitive nation. The role of the younger generation is central here. They are the spearhead of progress. With high creativity and entrepreneurial spirit, they can create new solutions to the nation’s problems. Eighty-one years of independence must become a starting point for Indonesia to no longer be a follower, but a leader in various fields.

Entering the age of 81, Indonesia is also faced with the issue of the climate crisis, which is a global challenge. Gratitude for the abundant natural wealth must be realised by preserving the environment. The forests of Kalimantan and Sumatra are the lungs of the world. The seas of the archipelago are an invaluable source of life. If we are truly grateful for the independence that has been bestowed upon us, we must not damage the nature that is the foundation for future generations. It is time for us to shift from exploitative consumption patterns to sustainable and environmentally friendly development. The 81st independence must become a momentum to make peace with nature.

The deepest reflection of gratitude is about legacy. What will we leave for our children and grandchildren? Will they inherit a nation that is more advanced, more just, and more prosperous? Or will they inherit debt, damage, and…