Every May 20th, the Indonesian people commemorate a pivotal moment in the nation’s history—National Awakening Day. This date not only marks the founding of Boedi Oetomo in 1908 by Dr. Soetomo and his colleagues, but also symbolizes the rise of a collective awareness that education, unity, and the spirit of transformation are the very foundations of the nation’s future.

Yet over time, the meaning of “awakening” often fades behind formal commemorations. We must ask ourselves: is the spirit of awakening still alive in our daily lives? Are we truly moving forward as a nation, or are we becoming complacent—trapped in routines and symbols that have lost their soul?

Today’s world has evolved into a deeply complex arena of competition. Digitalization, social pressures, economic disparities, and an accelerated lifestyle have shaped a new landscape—one that demands mental resilience and the ability to adapt swiftly.

Generation Z, born and raised in the digital era, carries distinct characteristics. They are technologically literate, adaptive, and quick to think. They have unprecedented access to knowledge and global opportunities. But on the other side, they also face their own set of pressures: mental fatigue, information overload, and the burden of expectations that often blur their sense of direction.

In their journey to find identity and belonging in society, various forms of expression have emerged—sometimes seen as excessive or impatient. Yet behind these dynamics lies a generation striving to find balance between their vast potential and the hard realities of life. They are not without flaws, but they also deserve space to grow, to stumble, and to learn.

With the growth of social media culture, we are increasingly exposed to public discourse—both online and in academic forums—on the topic of inequality. Not just in the economic sense, but also in terms of access to education, information, and opportunity. What began as a form of satire or commentary on the Internet has gradually evolved into a form of social stratification that impacts public perception and mental wellbeing.

Furthermore, a lingering skepticism toward local products, a lack of appreciation for domestic potential, and the tendency to assess worth based on surface appearances reveal that we still struggle with building trust—across individuals, across generations, and between society and its institutions.

One of the greatest challenges of our time is the rapid advancement of technology—especially artificial intelligence (AI)—which has sparked new fears and uncertainties. Many people worry about the future of work, the relevance of their skills, and the meaning of human contribution in an increasingly automated system.

Yet amidst these obstacles lies the opportunity to redefine the narrative of awakening: that human beings—with empathy, values, and creativity—must remain at the heart of progress. AI can indeed be a tool to accelerate development, but only if understood and governed wisely.

Indonesia is not lacking in resources. Our rich natural wealth, cultural diversity, and strong sense of social solidarity are invaluable assets—ones that many other nations do not possess. What we truly need is a collective consciousness to safeguard and manage these assets for future generations.

The youth of today, especially Generation Z, have been shaped by a world that is fast-moving and highly complex. But it is precisely this context that gives them the imagination and creativity to be the architects of change. They understand global trends, they possess social sensitivity, and most importantly—they carry an authentic identity that machines can never fully replicate.

Boedi Oetomo did not achieve independence overnight. It sparked awareness—it lit a flame that continues to burn to this day. Therefore, the spirit of awakening is not merely a legacy of the past, but a cross-generational calling. In contrast to revolution, awakening is not a moment—it is a process.

National Awakening Day serves as a reminder that a great nation is not built solely on strength, but on trust—trust in ourselves, in one another, and in the future. Happy National Awakening Day. Let us rise together—with empathy, with trust, and with an enduring spirit of learning.