The Essence of Commemorating Indonesia’s Independence Day: Meaning, Values, and National Responsibility

By Dr. Abdul Wadud Nafis, LC., MEI.

Every August 17, the Indonesian people commemorate Independence Day as a marker of the end of colonial rule and the beginning of life as a free nation. The Proclamation of Independence, read by Ir. Soekarno and Drs. Mohammad Hatta on August 17, 1945, stands as a historical milestone that changed the fate of the nation (Hatta, 1982). The commemoration of independence is not merely an annual routine but a moment of reflection to remember the sacrifices of the heroes and reaffirm the commitment to filling the independence with meaningful actions.

A. The Meaning of Independence

Independence is not only freedom from the chains of physical colonization but also the freedom to think, express opinions, and determine the direction of national development (Soekarno, 1964). In the context of Indonesia, independence was achieved through a long struggle involving various elements of the nation from Sabang to Merauke. The true meaning of independence is to be free from oppression and to have full sovereignty to govern the life of the state.

According to the Ministry of Education and Culture (2020), independence also means an opportunity to build a strong, self-reliant national identity that is competitive on the global stage. Without this awareness, independence will lose its substantial value.

B. Values Contained in Independence

The commemoration of Independence Day serves as a reminder of the noble values that must be preserved:

1. Nationalism – a love for the homeland that motivates the protection of national sovereignty.

2. Unity – placing the common interest above personal or group interests (Nasution, 2018).

3. Mutual Cooperation – working together to achieve greater goals.

4. Sacrifice – emulating the courage and selflessness of the heroes.

5. Self-Reliance – building the nation’s strength without excessive dependence on external parties.

These values form the moral foundation of national life, especially amid the challenges of globalization that can erode national identity.

C. Meaningful Forms of Commemoration

Commemorating independence should not be limited to flag ceremonies alone. There are various activities that can strengthen the sense of nationalism, such as:

Flag ceremonies and pilgrimages to heroes’ cemeteries.

Social activities such as community service, blood donations, or environmental reforestation.

Traditional competitions reflecting Indonesia’s rich cultural heritage (Mulyana, 2019).

Historical discussions and seminars to deepen the national awareness of the younger generation.

D. The Essence of Independence in the Modern Era

In the modern era, independence faces new challenges, such as poverty, corruption, social inequality, and threats to digital sovereignty. Independence Day should be a moment to address these new forms of “colonialism” (Haryanto, 2021).

The younger generation holds a central role in filling independence with positive contributions in education, technology, creative economy, and innovation. The fighting spirit of the heroes must be manifested in real work that builds the nation.

Conclusion

Independence is a mandate entrusted by the heroes to future generations. The commemoration of Independence Day is not merely ceremonial but a means of reflection to strengthen the determination to build a sovereign, just, and prosperous Indonesia. As Bung Karno said, “Jasmerah – Never, ever forget history” (Soekarno, 1966).

References

Haryanto. (2021). Tantangan Kedaulatan Bangsa di Era Digital. Jakarta: Gramedia.

Hatta, M. (1982). Untuk Negeriku: Sebuah Otobiografi. Jakarta: LP3ES.

Ministry of Education and Culture. (2020). Modul Pembelajaran Sejarah Kemerdekaan Indonesia. Jakarta: Kemendikbud.

Mulyana, E. (2019). Budaya dan Nasionalisme di Indonesia. Bandung: Alfabeta.

Nasution, A. (2018). Persatuan dan Kesatuan dalam Bingkai NKRI. Yogyakarta: Pustaka Pelajar.

Soekarno. (1964). Dibawah Bendera Revolusi. Jakarta: Panitia Penerbit DBR.

Soekarno. (1966). Jasmerah: Jangan Sekali-kali Meninggalkan Sejarah. Independence Day Speech, 21st Anniversary.

Leonardo AI. (2025). Illustration: The Essence of Commemorating Indonesia’s Independence Day: Meaning, Values, and National Responsibility [AI-generated image]. https://app.leonardo.ai