These days the Indonesian people in all corners of the archipelago are in full swing to celebrate the 73rd Indonesian Independence Day. A celebration that should be expressed with a sense of happiness and gratitude to Allah Almighty, not with glee and debauchery.
Consider the excerpts of the contents of the opening of the 1945 Constitution: "Thanks to the mercy of Allah the Almighty and by the encouragement of noble desires, in order to live a free national life, the people of Indonesia declare this independence."
The sentences in the opening of the 1945 Constitution not only reflected the distant vision of nationality, but also showed a strong Godly awareness in the founders of this Republic.
Yes, that Indonesia is not a religious country, however, since the beginning the country was designed to be a country that upholds religious values and norms. So, all efforts that can distance this nation from Allah Almighty are deviant and ahistorical.
The Indonesian people from the beginning also declared themselves anti-colonial. "That in fact independence is the right of all nations and therefore, the occupation of the world must be abolished because it is not in accordance with humanity and justice" as stated in the opening of the 1945 Constitution.
The intended independence is certainly not just physical independence that the invaders have left. However, more than that is independence in a substantial sense: independence from colonized mentality, political, economic, social and cultural differences. Has the Indonesian people really been independent in the real sense?
One of the fruits of independence is progress which includes security, prosperity and tranquility. Have we got it all after 72 years of independence? Indeed, compared to other developed countries in the world, such as America, for example, of course Indonesia is not yet how old. But there are also countries whose independence is long after the independence of the Republic of Indonesia, such as Korea and Singapore, but has now walked the path to developed countries.
That is, the achievement of a country's progress is not solely based on the age of its independence. However, it is more to the awareness of the people to work hard and unite to realize their shared dreams as a nation. Do not continue to be proud of yourself just by being a developing country or third world category. Even though such classifications are not fully agreed upon, but at least the indicators and achievements of the progress are in line with the developed countries in the world.
Indonesia is a great country and nation. Geographically the stretch of Sabang to Merauke as well as Tehran to London. Demographically, the population of Indonesia which is close to approximately 270 million people is greater than the population of 22 Arab countries in the Middle East region.
In terms of natural resources, there is no doubt that Indonesia has an extraordinary hidden natural wealth, both on land and in the ocean. Praise be to Allah who has blessed this natural wealth on this earth. There are countless how many of Indonesia's natural assets are transported abroad. So, this country has always been the target of nations in the world from the past until now.
Even in human resources, in fact this nation is not inferior to other developed nations. Lots of the best sons and daughters of the nation whose thoughts, works and authority are recognized at the world level.
Some examples are, for example, President Soekarno, the originator, initiator and pioneer of the phenomenal Non-Aligned Movement. Soekarno was not only a charismatic leader for the people of Indonesia, but was also recognized as a world leader. The Asia-Africa Conference in Bandung which was initiated was taken into account in the world.
Furthermore, President Soeharto also inspired leaders of neighboring countries. In fact, no less a great leader like Mahatir Muhammad and Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew who have brought Singapore into a developed country claiming to be students of Pak Harto. Under the leadership of Pak Harto, Indonesia is respected by the world.
Therefore, the gratitude of the 72nd Independence must be a momentum to continue to advance the country by empowering all the nation's potential and synergizing it into great works for as much of the country's welfare as possible.
It is not the time for this nation to be trapped in small and continuous tensions. Moreover, fighting against Islam and Pancasila, Unity in Diversity and other national pillars that have become common platforms from the start. Moreover, intimidating Indonesian Muslims as anti-Pancasila and Diversity. That is a silly, counter-productive and ahistorical act.
The Pancasila formulated by the Nation's Founders are all reflections of the principle teachings in Islam. God Almighty is a manifestation of monotheism. There is humanity, unity, deliberation and justice, all of which are the essence of Islam. So, Muslims cannot replace Pancasila, because how can a Muslim oppose the teachings of monotheism, humanity, unity, deliberation and justice?
It is also time to end the horizontal disputes that are not productive, especially among fellow Muslims. Thus, the ummah must close the prayer, mutually work together mutually and productively, and together become a force that will fortify the unity of the country and at the same time become the main contributor to its progress. What is the progress of Indonesia without Muslims?
"Whoever does not fulfill his obligations to the homeland, nation and religion because of fear of fatigue or fear of death, then in fact he has no right to live in it. Because, death is something that must come, while the noble soul is a soul that will never die ", according to the Arabic proverb.