The Religious Dimension in Celebrations of Indonesian Independence
Every year on 17 August, all Indonesians celebrate independence day. The celebration is synonymous with flag ceremonies, competitions, and various other lively activities. However, behind the festivities, there is a religious dimension that often escapes attention. Indonesian independence was not merely the result of physical struggle, but also a divine gift that should be appreciated.
The nation’s founders, such as Soekarno and Hatta, were fully aware that independence could not be achieved by human strength alone. They believed in God’s intervention in every step of the struggle. This is reflected in the third paragraph of the Preamble to the 1945 Constitution, which states, ‘By the grace of Almighty God and motivated by the noble desire to live a free national life, the people of Indonesia hereby declare their independence.’ This sentence firmly asserts that independence is a blessing and grace from God Almighty.
Did you know that Indonesian independence on 17 August 1945 occurred during the month of Ramadan, specifically on 9 Ramadan 1364 H? This history is similar to what happened at the beginning of Islam in the Hijaz. The Prophet Muhammad migrated from Mecca to Medina, and in the month of Ramadan the following year, the Battle of Badr took place between the Muslims of Medina and the Quraysh disbelievers of Mecca. This battle occurred in the Valley of Badr, where the Muslims achieved a glorious victory in that month of Ramadan despite being fewer in number than their enemies.
If we use sensitivity in translating and interpreting it, then it is none other than that the victory of the Indonesian nation over the colonisers is equally a blessing of God’s grace, just as it was bestowed upon the Muslims in the Battle of Badr.
Victory and independence were not without sacrifice. If the Prophet was driven out to Medina and some of his companions died in the Battle of Badr, then many sacrifices were also made by the Indonesian nation, such as the loss of territory, loss of property, and heroes who died and fell in various military confrontations such as the first and second military aggressions, the Java War, the Padri War, and other wars that occurred in this archipelago.
Therefore, independence celebrations should be a moment of reflection and gratitude. This religious attitude can be realised in various forms, not only through formal religious rituals. For example, by maintaining national unity and integrity. Does not Indonesia have the motto ‘Bhinneka Tunggal Ika’? Its meaning is that unity is a reflection of the teachings of any religion that teaches love and harmony. When we live in harmony, regardless of differences in ethnicity, religion, and race, we are carrying out God’s command to love one another.
The first religious dimension relates to history, while the second is closely related to the collective consciousness inherited from Indonesia’s Muslim heroes. If we are truly aware of the tested consistency, regarding the steadfastness of those who were loyal to the State and Religion, then that is what we must do as Muslims. We must ensure that in various forms of independence celebrations, everything is in accordance with what God has ordained. There should be no new forms of commemorating the services of heroes that involve sin and immorality, forbidden acts such as parties, drunkenness, consuming prohibited drinks, or taking drugs.
So what else was achieved by the Muslim heroes in Indonesia besides Indonesian independence? If we reflect more deeply on God’s word in QS Fussilat:30, that indeed those who say ‘Our Lord is Allah’ and then remain steadfast, the angels will descend upon them and say, ‘Do not fear, nor grieve, but rejoice in the Paradise that has been promised to you.’
Its meaning is that steadfastness in monotheism, steadfastness in fighting to uphold the religion, and liberating the Indonesian nation, ensures that even after their death they do not feel fear or sadness; rather, their state is calm because they have been promised Paradise. We finally become aware of the fatwa of Hadratus-Syaikh Hasyim Asy’ari regarding the Jihad Resolution. When Bung Karno asked what the ruling was on defending the homeland, not only defending Allah, the Messenger, and the Islamic religion, the firm answer from K.H. Hasyim Asy’ari was that anyone who struggles to defend the State and Nation of Indonesia is obliged to do so, and if they then die in battle defending Indonesia, it is considered martyrdom.
This became the foundation for a new chapter in the struggle on 10 November in Surabaya, when the santri, the community, and all elements of the Indonesian nation fought against the colonisers. It is fitting that this day and date be declared as National Heroes Day.
The third religious dimension relates to national symbols. Our national symbols also have deep religious meaning. The Garuda Bird, the national emblem, represents strength and majesty. On its chest is a shield symbolising Pancasila, whose first principle is Belief in the One and Only God. This shows that the nation was founded on the basis of faith in God. Likewise, the Red and White flag, where the red symbolises courage and the white symbolises purity. This combination not only reflects the spirit of struggle, but also the spirituality underlying that struggle.
In celebrating independence, let us not only focus on the festivities. Let us reflect again on its deepest meaning. Independence is a gift from God, and our task is to safeguard it with full responsibility, unity, and gratitude.