Friends of UNDIRA, soon we will once again commemorate National Heroes' Day. In line with this year's 2025 theme, "My Hero My Role Model, Keep Moving to Continue the Struggle," we are reminded that heroism is not just a matter of the past.

Every November 10th, we not only remember history but are also invited to renew our awareness of the meaning of the struggle they have passed down. Our heroes left a legacy of thought that can serve as a guide for our lives. This time, we will get to know a hero who may be less well-known, but whose ideas are crucial for our current times: Ki Ageng Suryomentaram.

Ki Ageng Suryomentaram was born in the Yogyakarta Palace on May 20, 1892, with the name Bendoro Raden Mas Kudiarmaji. He was the son of Sri Sultan Hamengkubuwono VII. Despite being a prince, he possessed a great curiosity and eventually chose to live simply among the common people.

During his lifetime, he co-proposed military education for the establishment of the PETA (Defenders of the Homeland) army. However, his most remembered contribution is his role as a "Teacher of Life" and a "Pioneer of the Nation's Character Education."

His teaching method was unique. He did not establish formal schools. He chose to educate the community directly through open discussions and mutual cooperation (gotong royong), teaching the most fundamental lessons about life. The most famous legacy of his thought is “Kawruh Jiwa.” This is a philosophy for 'knowing oneself' on a deep level.

The core of his teaching is that education should not merely chase academic scores. What is most prioritized is character development. Ki Ageng Suryomentaram taught that true happiness is not found in material possessions, status, or the praise of others. True happiness comes from a sincere understanding and acceptance of ourselves.

"Kawruh Jiwa" teaches humans to understand and manage their own emotions and desires. This teaching guides us to look inward honestly, so that we can ultimately view the outside world with greater wisdom.

Ki Ageng Suryomentaram's ideas become especially relevant when we look at the state of the modern world. The modern era, with all its technological advancements and fast-paced culture, ironically makes character education more difficult. As we all have known for a long time, modernity doesnt just give us luxury and easiness, there are multitude of challenges we may face such as:

1. A Fast-Paced Culture and the Need for Validation: Social media often causes our self-worth to be measured by the number of "likes" or praise from others. This is the very opposite of 'knowing oneself.'

2. Hustle Culture: High demands in life and a culture of non-stop work cause many people to lose time for reflection. People become busy, but their souls feel empty.

3. Materialism: Success is often narrowly defined as having a lot of money or luxury goods. This pushes people to chase "wants" without understanding their soul's "needs."

As a result, many people, especially the young, feel "disconnected" from themselves. Formal education might succeed in making people academically smart, but it fails to form individuals who are whole in character, internally peaceful, and wise in their actions.

This is where the importance of moral and character education based on Ki Ageng Suryomentaram's teachings lies. "Kawruh Jiwa" offers a powerful counterbalance to the negative impacts of the modern era.

1. Countering Materialism: This teaching reminds us that true happiness comes from within. By 'knowing oneself,' we will not be easily enslaved by trends or the endless desire for luxury goods.

2. Overcoming the Need for Validation: "Kawruh Jiwa" teaches us to find self-worth from within, not from others. This is the foundation of a strong character.

3. Prioritizing Inner Peace: Amidst the hustle culture, this teaching encourages us to pause for a moment and look within. This inner peace is what gives birth to wisdom.

Ki Ageng Suryomentaram showed that true wisdom does not have to come from complicated terminology, but rather from simplicity, social sensitivity, and the willingness to be honest with oneself.

Ki Ageng Suryomentaram's legacy on this Heroes' Day reminds us of a different kind of struggle. If the heroes of independence fought a physical battle, then our struggle today is an inner battle: to cultivate positive values and protect our spiritual well-being amidst the challenges of the modern era.

This is how we "Keep Moving to Continue the Struggle" of our heroes: because the first step towards a true independence, begins within and we achieve such by winning the battle within ourselves.