Presidential Address: Indonesia's 80th Independence Day

Opening Speech

My fellow countrymen, esteemed guests, veterans, and the younger generation, peace be upon you! Today, on this auspicious 17th of August, 2025, we gather with hearts full of pride and gratitude to commemorate the 80th anniversary of our beloved Indonesia's Independence. The echoes of Proclamation still resonate in our hearts, fueling our spirit to continue building a glorious nation. We are gathered here today not just to celebrate a historical event, but to renew our commitment to the ideals of independence – sovereignty, unity, and justice for all. Looking back at the struggles and sacrifices of our heroes, we realize that freedom is not a gift, but a hard-earned right that we must continuously safeguard. The journey of 80 years has been a long and winding road, filled with challenges and triumphs. We have weathered storms of adversity, overcome obstacles, and emerged stronger as a nation. This resilience, this 'never give up' attitude, is the hallmark of the Indonesian spirit.

As we reflect on our journey, it is essential to acknowledge the progress we have made. Over the past eight decades, Indonesia has transformed from a newly independent nation into a thriving democracy and a significant player on the global stage. We have made significant strides in economic development, infrastructure, education, and healthcare. Millions of our citizens have been lifted out of poverty, and access to essential services has improved significantly. However, we must also recognize that challenges remain. Inequality, poverty, environmental degradation, and corruption continue to pose significant threats to our progress. These are issues that we must confront head-on with determination and innovation. The spirit of gotong royong, our traditional values of mutual cooperation and solidarity, must guide us in our efforts to overcome these challenges. We must work together, hand in hand, to build a more just and prosperous society for all Indonesians. This is our shared responsibility, a sacred trust that we owe to our ancestors and to future generations.

In this era of rapid globalization and technological advancement, we must also adapt and innovate to stay competitive. The world is changing at an unprecedented pace, and we must equip ourselves with the skills and knowledge necessary to thrive in this new environment. Education and innovation are the keys to our future success. We must invest in our human capital, empower our youth, and create an ecosystem that fosters creativity and entrepreneurship. Let us embrace technology, not as a threat, but as a tool to enhance our productivity, efficiency, and competitiveness. Let us harness the power of the digital revolution to connect our people, bridge divides, and create new opportunities. Furthermore, we must remain vigilant in safeguarding our national unity and sovereignty. The threats to our nation are multifaceted and ever-evolving. Extremism, terrorism, separatism, and cybercrime are real dangers that we must confront with unwavering resolve. We must strengthen our defense capabilities, enhance our law enforcement agencies, and promote a culture of tolerance and inclusivity. Unity in diversity is our strength, and we must cherish and protect it at all costs. Let us stand together, united as one nation, to defend our homeland from all threats, both internal and external.

Economic Progress and Future Plans

Fellow Indonesians, let's dive into our economic journey. We've seen significant economic progress, haven't we? But we can't just sit back and relax. We need to keep pushing forward! Over the past year, our economy has shown resilience, navigating global uncertainties and emerging stronger. We've witnessed growth in various sectors, from manufacturing to technology, indicating a diverse and robust economic landscape. Our focus on infrastructure development has not only improved connectivity but has also opened up new avenues for economic activity across the archipelago. Think about the new toll roads, airports, and seaports – they're not just concrete and steel, they're pathways to progress!

However, economic growth is not just about numbers and statistics. It's about how it impacts the lives of our people. It's about creating jobs, reducing poverty, and ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to prosper. That's why our government is committed to inclusive growth – growth that benefits all segments of society. We're focusing on empowering small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), the backbone of our economy, by providing access to finance, technology, and markets. These are the real engines of job creation and innovation. We're also investing in education and skills development to ensure that our workforce is equipped to meet the demands of the 21st-century economy. In the coming year, we have ambitious plans to further accelerate our economic transformation. We will continue to prioritize infrastructure development, focusing on sustainable and environmentally friendly projects. We will also deepen our efforts to attract foreign investment, creating a conducive business environment that fosters innovation and competitiveness. But most importantly, we will focus on strengthening our human capital. We believe that investing in our people is the best investment we can make for the future. We will expand access to quality education, vocational training, and skills development programs. We will also promote entrepreneurship and innovation, encouraging our youth to be creative and take risks.

Let's talk about future plans. Our vision for 2045, the centennial of our independence, is to become a developed and prosperous nation. This is not just a dream; it's a goal that we can achieve if we work together. We envision an Indonesia that is economically strong, socially just, and environmentally sustainable. An Indonesia that is a leader in innovation and technology, a nation that is respected and admired on the global stage. To achieve this vision, we must embrace transformation in all aspects of our society. We must modernize our industries, invest in research and development, and promote a culture of innovation. We must also strengthen our institutions, promote good governance, and combat corruption. This is a marathon, not a sprint. It requires sustained effort, dedication, and a long-term vision. But I am confident that we have the strength, the resilience, and the determination to succeed. So, let's roll up our sleeves and get to work! The future is ours to create.

Social Justice and Equality

My fellow citizens, let’s get real about social justice and equality. It's not just a fancy slogan; it's the bedrock of a strong and united nation. We've made strides, sure, but there's still a long way to go. We all deserve the same opportunities, the same shot at a good life, no matter where we come from or what we believe. Social justice means ensuring that every Indonesian has access to basic necessities – quality education, healthcare, and a decent standard of living. It means bridging the gap between the rich and the poor, between urban and rural areas, between different ethnic and religious groups. It means creating a society where everyone feels valued and respected. We're not there yet, guys, but we're working on it!

Over the past year, we've ramped up our efforts to address inequality and promote social inclusion. We've expanded our social safety net programs, providing assistance to vulnerable families and individuals. We've invested in education and vocational training, especially in underserved communities. We've also launched initiatives to empower women and marginalized groups, ensuring that they have equal opportunities to participate in the economy and in public life. But we know that government efforts alone are not enough. We need the active participation of every citizen to build a more just and equitable society. We need businesses to create jobs and pay fair wages. We need civil society organizations to advocate for the rights of the marginalized. We need individuals to challenge discrimination and prejudice wherever they see it. Social justice is a shared responsibility. It's about all of us working together to create a society where everyone can thrive. We can't let anyone fall behind. We have to create a level playing field where everyone has a chance to succeed. We must break down the barriers that prevent people from reaching their full potential.

Equality is the cornerstone of our national unity. We are a diverse nation, with a rich tapestry of cultures, languages, and religions. This diversity is our strength, but it can also be a source of division if we're not careful. That's why it's so important to promote tolerance, understanding, and mutual respect. We must reject all forms of discrimination and prejudice, whether based on ethnicity, religion, gender, or any other factor. We must celebrate our differences, not fear them. We must embrace our shared humanity and work together to build a harmonious society. The principles of Pancasila, our state ideology, provide a strong foundation for social justice and equality. The five pillars of Pancasila – Belief in One God, Just and Civilized Humanity, the Unity of Indonesia, Democracy Guided by the Wisdom of Deliberation Among Representatives, and Social Justice for All Indonesians – encapsulate our shared values and aspirations. Let us uphold these principles in our daily lives and work together to build an Indonesia that truly embodies social justice and equality. It's our duty, guys, to make this happen.

Strengthening National Unity and Sovereignty

My fellow Indonesians, let’s talk about something super important: our national unity and sovereignty. Think of it like this: we're all in the same boat, right? If the boat's strong, we all sail smoothly. But if it's got holes, we're all in trouble. That’s why we gotta stick together and protect our home, Indonesia! Our unity is what makes us strong. We're a big, diverse family, and that's something to be proud of. But with that diversity comes responsibility. We gotta respect each other, understand each other, and work together, even when we have different opinions. It’s not always easy, but it's what makes us Indonesian! Sovereignty, on the other hand, is like the walls of our house. It's what keeps us safe and secure. It means we make our own decisions, we control our own destiny, and nobody can push us around. We fought hard for our independence, and we gotta keep fighting to protect it.

Over the past year, we've been working hard to strengthen our national unity and sovereignty on several fronts. We've been promoting tolerance and interfaith dialogue, building bridges between different communities. We've been investing in education and cultural programs that celebrate our diversity and promote a sense of national identity. We've also been strengthening our defense capabilities, modernizing our military, and working with our neighbors to maintain peace and stability in the region. But here's the deal: protecting our unity and sovereignty is not just the government's job. It's everyone's job! We all have a role to play. We can start by being good citizens, respecting the law, and participating in our democracy. We can also challenge hate speech and misinformation, promote critical thinking, and stand up for our values. We have to work together to protect our nation from those who want to divide us.

Looking ahead, we face new challenges to our unity and sovereignty. The world is changing fast, and we need to be ready. Cyber threats, economic pressures, and regional conflicts can all impact our nation. That's why we need to be vigilant, resilient, and adaptable. We need to invest in technology, strengthen our economy, and build strong alliances with other nations. But most importantly, we need to maintain our unity and uphold our values. We must remain true to the spirit of Pancasila, our national ideology, which emphasizes unity, democracy, social justice, and belief in God. Pancasila is our guiding light, our moral compass, and it will lead us through any challenges we may face. So, let’s stand tall, guys, united and strong. Let’s protect our nation, cherish our diversity, and build a better future for all Indonesians. We can do this! Together, we are Indonesia.

Closing Remarks

My fellow Indonesians, as we approach the end of this momentous day, let's carry the spirit of independence in our hearts and minds. The journey ahead may be challenging, but I am confident that together, we can overcome any obstacle. Let us embrace our shared values, celebrate our diversity, and work hand in hand to build a stronger, more prosperous, and more just Indonesia. Remember, the future of our nation is in our hands. Let us not take our freedom for granted. Let us honor the sacrifices of our heroes by dedicating ourselves to the progress and well-being of our nation. Let the spirit of gotong royong guide us in all our endeavors. Let us work together, support each other, and build each other up. Together, we can achieve great things.

I believe in the power of the Indonesian people. I believe in our resilience, our creativity, and our determination. I believe that we can overcome any challenge, achieve any goal, and build the nation of our dreams. Let us continue to work hard, to innovate, and to strive for excellence in all that we do. Let us create a better future for our children and grandchildren. Let us make Indonesia a shining example to the world. On this 17th of August, 2025, let us renew our commitment to our nation and to each other. Let us celebrate our independence with pride, gratitude, and hope. Let us move forward with courage, determination, and unity. May God bless Indonesia. Long live Indonesia! Merdeka!