DistantNews
Support us
🇮🇩 Indonesia /Culture & Society

Bachtiar Nasir: Independence is more than ceremonies; it means food security for all Indonesians

From Republika · () Indonesian

Translated from Indonesian, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News From a news agency Context piece
  • The Serikat Jurnalis Muslim Indonesia (SAJID) and AQL Islamic Center are distributing 81,000 free food packages and 81,000 basic necessities packages to celebrate Indonesia's 81st Independence Day.
  • The program, valued at approximately Rp14 billion, runs for 11 days from August 7-17, 2026, and aims to provide essential support to informal workers and low-income residents.
  • SAJID chairman Ustaz Bachtiar Nasir emphasized that true independence means food security and the ability for all citizens to eat, urging journalists to participate in the initiative.

In commemoration of Indonesia's 81st Independence Day, the Serikat Jurnalis Muslim Indonesia (SAJID) and AQL Islamic Center have launched a significant social movement. They are distributing 81,000 free food packages and 81,000 basic necessities packages, a program valued at around Rp14 billion and spanning 11 days from August 7 to August 17, 2026.

I'm happy to get this free food. It's enough for breakfast before I start driving. I hope activities like this continue because they are very helpful to us.

— IndraA beneficiary of the food distribution program expressing his gratitude.

The initiative commenced in front of the AQL Islamic Center in Tebet, South Jakarta. Hundreds of online motorcycle taxi drivers, Bajaj and angkot drivers, informal workers, and local residents gathered early to receive free breakfast packages. Indra, an online motorcycle taxi driver, expressed his gratitude, noting that the free meal helps him save money before starting his workday. "I'm happy to get this free food. It's enough for breakfast before I start driving. I hope activities like this continue because they are very helpful to us," he said.

Ustaz Bachtiar Nasir, the Chairman of SAJID, explained that the number 81 was chosen to align with Indonesia's 81st year of independence. However, he stressed that the program's message extends beyond mere symbolism. Nasir believes that commemorating independence should be a time to reflect on how citizens experience its meaning in their daily lives, particularly concerning fundamental needs like food. "Independence is food sovereignty in our hands. Independence is when everyone can eat. Merdeka!" he declared, calling on fellow journalists to join the effort.

Independence is food sovereignty in our hands. Independence is when everyone can eat. Merdeka!

— Ustaz Bachtiar NasirDefining independence in terms of food security and accessibility.

Nasir further elaborated that independence should not be confined to ceremonies and flag-raising events. Instead, it must translate into tangible actions that directly benefit the community. By focusing on food and essential goods, SAJID and AQL Islamic Center aim to strengthen food security and foster a spirit of sharing and mutual cooperation. "This program is part of our efforts to strengthen food security while fostering a spirit of sharing and mutual cooperation in the community. Independence must be felt by all Indonesian people," Nasir stated.

This program is part of our efforts to strengthen food security while fostering a spirit of sharing and mutual cooperation in the community. Independence must be felt by all Indonesian people.

— Ustaz Bachtiar NasirExplaining the broader goals of the initiative beyond the symbolic distribution.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Republika in Indonesian. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

More Stories

From Our Blog