“Lema wilin bothkemede wilin kumalkema enaru, aro kraal sasam itnye / Tuat sasamke ma tatehi, werke kwiake ota oli.”

The above two lines of a folksong from Tanimbar, Southeast Maluku, can be loosely translated as: “We are all in one boat with one rudder. / We split one rice cake between us all, and share the water that remains.”

The song should encourage each citizen to understand their strength as a community, and that each has the capacity to use their individual strengths to contribute to national solidarity and unity. This view and wisdom should apply to every component of the nation: civilian and military, men and women, even the young and the elderly.

Solidarity is key to life’s survival. In a society that is solid, each member understands, respects and loves one another. Solidarity also translates into a strong sense of brotherhood the binds together different groups, ethnicities, faiths, and even ways of thinking. Diversity enriches kinship and brings about unity, instead of becoming a source of conflict or animosity.

In the context of Indonesian diversity, solidarity cannot grow when individuals or groups force their wishes and interests on others or on the wider community. Such behavior will undoubtedly kill the seeds of communal and national solidarity.

The Indonesian Military (TNI) was established precisely to maintain, encourage and enhance national solidarity and unity. In fact, on a broader scope, the TNI is mandated to safeguard solidarity among citizens so it remains intact and persists as long as possible.

In building and encouraging solidarity to grow, the TNI plays a number of roles. First, the TNI is an institution that has since its inception possessed a single, noble objective: Defend Indonesia from all threats against the nation.

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