President Prabowo Subianto asks Indonesian citizens to strengthen national defense through real contributions in various aspects of life in order to realize an advanced Indonesia.
“We, all Indonesian citizens, must continue to promote National Defense. Our real contribution must be reflected in the aspects of ideology, politics, economy, socio-culture, education, technology, defense, and security,” the President said in his written message for the 76th National Defense Day commemoration on Thursday, December 19, 2024, which was read out by Chief Inspector of the ceremony Major General Harvin Kidingallo.
The President also emphasized that the task of National Defense is not the responsibility of the Ministry of Defense, the Indonesian Military (TNI), and the National Police (Polri) only, but the obligation of all components of the nation.
“With the spirit of National Defense, I am sure we are able to face various obstacles and achieve the nation’s ideals,” he said.
National Defense Day is rooted in the historic event of the Second Dutch Military Aggression on December 19, 1948. At that time, Yogyakarta − which was the temporary capital of the country − fell into the Dutch hands, and a number of key Indonesian figures, including President Sukarno and Vice President Mohammad Hatta, were arrested.
In this critical situation, President Sukarno gave instructions to the Minister of Prosperity, Syafruddin Prawiranegara, to form the Emergency Government of the Republic of Indonesia (PDRI) in Bukittinggi, West Sumatra. This act is proof of the persistence of the Indonesian people to defend sovereignty and the continuity of government.
In conjunction with the 76th National Defense Day Commemoration, President Prabowo invited all people, especially the younger generation, to be inspired by the struggles of the nation’s heroes.
“We must admire and learn from the dedication and sacrifices of the nation’s independence fighters. This commemoration is an important momentum to reaffirm our shared commitment to maintaining and strengthening the unity of the Indonesian nation,” Prabowo said.
