Dear UNDIRA friends, it feels almost unreal that the Republic of Indonesia will soon mark its 80th anniversary on Sunday, August 17, 2025. As we all know, Indonesia’s journey to independence was far from brief.

Throughout its struggle, Indonesia was colonized by several nations before finally proclaiming independence in 1945: Portugal, Spain, France, Britain, and Japan. Yet, the Netherlands left the most lasting impact, having colonized Indonesia for a total of 350 years.

Although Indonesia’s struggle is often portrayed or popularized through depictions of battles and bamboo spears, in truth, there were many other forms of resistance, dear UNDIRA friends. The fight for independence was not only waged on the battlefield but also through art and narrative.

One notable example is the depiction of Prince Diponegoro’s capture in 1830. The painting by Nicolaas Pienemann, which shows Diponegoro being led to prison under the supervision of General De Kock, conveyed Dutch dominance and a distant hope of Indonesian freedom. Refusing to submit to this colonial narrative, Raden Saleh reinterpreted the scene in his 1857 painting. In stark contrast, Saleh depicted Diponegoro with a firm and dignified expression—a timeless symbol of unyielding resistance.

Another story can be found in the struggle of Tan Malaka, who advocated the advancement of education through powerful narratives. In his influential book Naar de Republiek Indonesia, he spoke of equality, justice, and the rights of the Indonesian people. His revolutionary ideas inspired and mobilized the spirit of society across all levels.

Over time, however, society has often been consumed by the busyness of daily life, pulling attention away from the shared unity and collective progress needed to shape a brighter nation.

It is through the unwavering commitment of these historical figures that today, in accordance with this year’s Independence Day theme, President Prabowo has carried forward the message: “United in Sovereignty, Prosperous People, Advanced Indonesia.” This theme calls upon Indonesians to strengthen their shared future.

According to the President, this theme reflects the nation’s struggle and grand vision—to become not only competent but also competitive on the international stage. He reaffirmed the importance of unity amidst Indonesia’s diversity, in line with the national motto Bhinneka Tunggal Ika—“Unity in Diversity.”

Dear UNDIRA friends, just as Raden Saleh’s paintings and Tan Malaka’s revolutionary ideas once united the spirit of the people in their time, it is now our turn to lift the Garuda to soar toward brighter skies. As academics, we are not only called to possess knowledge and expertise, but also the courage and sense of responsibility to contribute to the nation’s progress. Our role is not merely to pursue individual achievements, but to foster collaboration, innovation, and collective awareness to strengthen the foundations of Indonesia’s independence in the modern era.

A member of the academic community should embody more than intelligence and skill; they must also remain sensitive to the dynamics of their surroundings. Their concern should extend beyond personal prosperity—towards the pursuit of the nation’s welfare and the well-being of Indonesia as a whole.

Reference Source: Liputan 6 - Makna mendalam HUT RI ke-80

(Kornelia Johana Dacosta / Humas UNDIRA)

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