Information technology has developed at an extraordinary pace, extending into nearly every sector of industry, including the information industry, which continues to hold significant relevance in our daily lives. Today, various media platforms are constantly evolving to bring information closer to us, whether through timelines, social media, or educational documentaries. Yet, among all the information channels available today, one medium has demonstrated remarkable resilience while remaining relevant to society at large: radio.

Who among Kawan UNDIRA is not familiar with radio? In reality, the influence of radio has never been limited to the past. It continues to make its presence felt today. As Indonesia commemorates the 81st National Radio Day in 2026 under the broader theme “Indonesia’s Voice: Sovereign, Just, and Prosperous,” we are once again reminded of the importance of radio as a revolutionary stepping stone in bringing information to the public, as well as a testament to its role as a medium of national struggle since the early years of independence.

The history of National Radio Day is closely tied to the establishment of Indonesia’s first national radio station using radio infrastructure left behind by the Japanese occupation. Dr. Abdulrahman Saleh became the first general director of Radio Republik Indonesia (RRI), carrying the enduring motto, “Once on the air, always on the air.” More than a mere figure of speech, the phrase represents a commitment that has endured for eight decades. Throughout its history, Radio Republik Indonesia has continued to affirm its position as a trusted medium that remains present, accessible, and relevant to the public, while actively contributing to the nation’s intellectual development.

Although radio remains one of the major channels for disseminating information, some people believe that the rise of visual media and infographics has made radio entirely replaceable. In practical terms, radio is sometimes perceived as outdated or even “old-school.” Yet, its relevance has not simply disappeared. And, in reality, that assumption does not tell the whole story.

Radio today has gone far beyond traditional AM/FM broadcasts. It continues to adapt to the times, expanding into online streaming platforms that create more intimate conversations between broadcasters and listeners. It has also embraced podcast formats, allowing audiences to listen whenever and wherever they want, and even revisit episodes without worrying about missing a broadcast. With increasingly diverse and accessible topics, radio has evolved from being merely a channel for delivering information into a familiar companion that accompanies Kawan UNDIRA throughout the day.

Accessibility has also become one of its strengths. In the past, listening to the radio often meant carrying around a relatively cumbersome device. Today, all it takes is a car dashboard or a smartphone application, and Kawan UNDIRA can enjoy their favorite radio programs anytime and anywhere while continuing with other activities.

For 81 years, radio has accompanied the journey of the Indonesian nation, from broadcasting the Proclamation of Independence amid severe limitations to reaching every Kawan UNDIRA today through smartphone applications and car dashboards. This long journey reminds us that harmony does not always emerge from uniformity. Instead, it can grow from a willingness to listen to one another, much like the enduring spirit behind the motto “Once on the air, always on the air,” which continues to resonate even as the times keep changing.

National Radio Day is more than an annual commemoration. It is a reminder that uniting our voices can be the first step toward moving a nation forward, and that the aspiration for an Indonesia that is sovereign, just, and prosperous can continue to be amplified as long as ears are willing to listen and hearts willing to move forward together, wherever and whenever we may be. Happy National Radio Day, Kawan UNDIRA. Let us keep listening, and let us continue building the nation together.

Source of References:

Ismed, M. (2020). Perubahan dan inovasi media radio di era digital. Mediasi: Jurnal Kajian dan Terapan Media, Bahasa, Komunikasi, 1(2), 92–102. 

Kisah Berdirinya RRI Hingga Menjadi Asal Mula Hari Radio Nasional - RRI Official Website