Yusril urges young generation to study the thoughts of the nation's founders
Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Coordinating Minister for Law, Human Rights, Immigration, and Correctional Affairs, Yusril Ihza Mahendra, has urged the younger generation to study the thoughts of the nation’s founders.
“The younger generation needs to continue reading, analysing, and developing the intellectual heritage of the nation’s founders so that the values of nationalism, Islam, and democracy can continue to live within the life of the state,” said Yusril, as confirmed in Jakarta on Sunday.
He identified one of the aforementioned founders, Indonesia’s 5th Prime Minister Mohammad Natsir, as a figure who has inspired Yusril’s intellectual journey and thought throughout his life. According to him, Natsir was an exceptionally intelligent individual who began writing and expressing his various ideas from a young age.
He noted that these various writings have been passed down to the Indonesian nation and remain highly relevant and inspiring today. Yusril reminded that history records how Natsir was involved in sharp intellectual debates with Indonesia’s first President, Soekarno, regarding the relationship between Islam and the state; however, these differing views did not diminish their mutual respect or their commitment to preserving Indonesia.
“Today’s politics requires integrity and maturity, as exemplified by Mr Natsir. Differences in opinion are inevitable, but maintaining national unity and prioritising Indonesia’s interests must remain the primary goal,” he said.
For Yusril, Mohammad Natsir is not merely a part of the nation’s history, but a source of inspiration whose thoughts remain relevant in addressing Indonesia’s contemporary challenges. Ahead of his doctoral promotion examination in the field of philosophy at the University of Indonesia, the Coordinating Minister visited the grave of National Hero Mohammad Natsir at the Karet Bivak Public Cemetery in Jakarta on Wednesday (24/6). This private pilgrimage served as a moment of reflection and tribute to Natsir.
He also recalled his life journey in his youth, during which he interacted with Natsir for a significant period, from 1978 until the passing of the Masyumi figure in 1993. He stated that Natsir was a profound inspiration to him, both in thought and action, leading to a sense of longing for the statesman.
Consequently, the Minister hopes that the pilgrimage brings wisdom to him, particularly in continuing the tradition of scholarship, philosophical study, and the spirit of service to the nation, the state, and the people. The dissertation he will defend at the University of Indonesia is titled “Reinterpreting Mohammad Natsir’s Thoughts on the Relationship between Islam and the State: A Philosophical Study using a Phenomenological-Existential Hermeneutic Approach.”
Through this research, he offers a re-reading of Natsir’s thoughts on the relationship between Islam and the state through a phenomenological-existential hermeneutic approach to understand the relevance of Natsir’s ideas within the context of contemporary national and state life in Indonesia.
“Mr Natsir is proof that Islam and democracy can go hand in hand in maintaining national integrity. His greatest legacy is not only the great ideas he left behind, but also his exemplary conduct in politics and service to the state,” said Yusril.