Rise and Shine, Indonesia

Today May 20, 2008, is the centennial anniversary of Indonesia's National Awakening. Exactly one century ago, a group of students was united by a common goal, furthering the education for native citizens. They believed that quality education is a must in the struggle for independence, and a must in the nation's development after independence. The movement expanded and it also inspired other groups that wanted to achieve the same noble goal. The period, later dubbed as "National Awakening", saw the development of our national identity as "Indonesians", which was later affirmed in the Youth Oath of 1928. Those dreams and motivations were carried on through the Indonesian Independence in 1945 and beyond.

As time progresses, it seems that we are living in a hard time, maybe even harder than what our founding fathers experienced. Our economy is faltering; education lagging; politics raging; development suffering; and worst of all, our nationalism is eroding in a critical rate. The very nationalism that brought together the whole nation in the past is struggling to find its place in the ever-changing time. The once-big nation is falling apart right in front of our eyes.

However, it is not the End yet. We can still rise up to the challenges facing us and shine the brightest among other nations.
Yes, we will rise up today, tomorrow, and forever
Rise up for a better Indonesia
Rise up for a clean, responsible government
Rise up for the fulfillment of every human rights
Rise up for a better education
Rise up for a healthy nation
Rise up for a strong economy that puts Indonesians in its core
Rise up for a sustainable development
Rise up to environmental issues, especially climate change
Rise up for religious freedom, tolerance, and harmony
Rise up for Pancasila and 1945 Constitution
Yes, we will rise up so that other nations will look up to this proud nation of Indonesia; envy its rich islands, towering mountains, mighty seas, and most of all, its united people.

The dreams will never die as long as every Indonesian has faith in his/her own nation's abilities and strive to make the noble dream come true. Yes, we can.