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Indonesia’s independence in the internet era
The 78th anniversary of Indonesian independence is an opportune time to reflect on the nation's founding principles toward redefining and reclaiming national unity in view of the 2024 elections.
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Public reminder: A motorist rides a scooter on June 1, 2020 past a mural of the Garuda Pancasila national emblem on Jl. Puspitek Raya in South Tangerang, Banten. (JP/Dhoni Setiawan)
O
n Aug. 17 this year, Indonesia celebrates its 78th anniversary as a sovereign nation. Each year, Independence Day serves as an occasion for Indonesians to reflect on their historical accomplishments while inspiring continuous development.
For Gen-Zers and millennials, Indonesia’s war of independence dates back nearly three generations. But there is something special about these two demographic groups: Together they number more than 106 million people and make up 53 percent of the national electorate in the 2024 elections, arguably possessing the power to influence the country’s direction.
Therefore, it is important to ask: How can Indonesia’s future generations stay true to the values their forefathers laid as the foundation of the nation?
Back during its war for independence, Indonesia faced physical conflicts in its battle for resistance, survival and quest for national sovereignty. In the relatively peace of the present day, the country faces significantly different challenges: conflicts of ideas, battles over political agendas and a quest for socioeconomic progress.
With these in mind, access to information on the direction of strategic policies on economic, civil rights, climate, employment, education and public health is pivotal, so the people can make an informed decision in choosing a suitable leader for the nation’s development.
For instance, Indonesia's socioeconomic landscape has evolved under the administration of President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo. According to the Finance Ministry, a substantial share of the budget previously allocated to public subsidies for the oil and gas sector was redirected to other areas, including social protection and infrastructure projects.
Last year, the President expressed his hope that the massive spread of information and technology would allow ideas, and not identity politics, to shape political choices. There are online communities and movements educating Indonesians on strategic policies toward this end that deserve to be applauded, such as the Safer Internet Lab and Bijak Memilih.
