Megawati Urges Indonesian Youth to Remember Independence Struggle Beyond Ceremonies

Former Indonesian President Megawati Soekarnoputri marked Indonesia's 81st Independence Day by calling on the younger generation to deeply understand the nation's struggle.

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The blood of the fighters, the hopes of the people, and the ideals passed down from one generation to the next must continue to burn in our chests and hearts. Every August 17, it is not enough for us to just raise the flag and shout the word 'merdeka'. We must ask ourselves, what is the meaning of independence?

Speaking at the PDI Perjuangan party school, Megawati stated that merely raising the flag and shouting "merdeka" is insufficient. She urged them to question the true meaning of independence and remember the sacrifices made by fighters during the colonial era. "The blood of the fighters, the hopes of the people, and the ideals passed down from one generation to the next must continue to burn in our chests and hearts," she said.

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Hey young people, listen to this history! Because you should also have thoughts, determination, and conviction like Bung Karno.

Megawati warned against instant lifestyles and materialism, which she believes can foster corruption. She called for a generation with strong mental fortitude, discipline, and steadfastness to face challenges and maintain Indonesia's self-reliance amidst global competition. "If you want to help protect this Republic, you must be resilient. Indonesia was destined to be born as a nation of fighters," she asserted.

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If you want to help protect this Republic, you must be resilient. Indonesia was destined to be born as a nation of fighters. A nation that should be able to stand on its own feet and become a leader among the nations of the world.

She shared her practice of taking children to visit heroes' cemeteries, explaining the significance of unmarked graves as symbols of those who sacrificed everything for Indonesia's independence. Megawati believes this historical awareness is vital for the younger generation to grasp that the nation was built through long struggle and sacrifice, ensuring they continue the founders' aspirations.

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Why are the tombstones not named? Because what? They gave their souls and bodies to a cause for a nation that did not yet exist. That is the spirit of struggle.