Contemporary Heroism: The Resilience of the Nation and the Energy of National Resilience

Elinor Ostrom, a 2009 Nobel Laureate in Economics, demonstrates that communities can build collaborative institutions to manage resources sustainably through agreed-upon rules, trust, and mutual oversight.

Her thoughts are relevant for Indonesia: managing forests, water, and strategic resources requires both government capacity and community participation.

Mutual cooperation is not just a cultural legacy but a vital asset for strengthening national resilience.

Fourth, intelligence and innovation. The development of artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and information warfare demands that Indonesia enhance mastery of science and technology.

Nationalism cannot be realized solely through symbols and slogans but must also be reflected in the ability to create technology, increase productivity, and combat misinformation.

Joseph S. Nye's concept of soft power explains that a nation's strength comes not only from military and economic prowess but also from the appeal of its values, culture, and legitimacy.

Therefore, Indonesia must build strength that not only commands respect but also earns trust through democracy, law enforcement, education, innovation, and a commitment to peace.

Fifth, concern for the environment and future generations. Development must not sacrifice the ability of future generations to meet their needs.

Emil Salim's thoughts emphasize the necessity of integrating economic, social, and environmental dimensions into development.

Economic growth, downstream processing, and food and energy independence must go hand in hand with ecosystem protection. Preserving forests, water resources, and the environment is a form of dedication to the homeland.

Strengthening National Resilience

From a strategic and global perspective, contemporary heroism also means building the resilience of the nation in facing crises.

National resilience is not only determined by military strength but also by the quality of institutions, economic independence, social unity, environmental resilience, technological mastery, and public trust in government.

Therefore, three strategic steps are needed. First, integrate national character education with geopolitical, technological, environmental, and civic literacy so that the youth develop critical awareness and national responsibility.

Second, strengthen transparent, participatory, and evidence-based development governance so that the implementation of Asta Cita can be evaluated based on real outcomes.

Third, build collaboration between government, universities, the business sector, and society to generate innovations and solutions for national issues.

Universities have an important responsibility in this agenda. Campuses must become centers for knowledge development, critical thinking, and policy recommendations that address both national and global challenges.

Strategic and global studies need to connect geopolitical dynamics with developmental interests, such as food, energy, environmental resilience, defense, and public welfare. Thus, scientific knowledge becomes an instrument of service to the nation.

Ultimately, this Heroes' Day on November 10 should be a momentum to expand the meaning of struggle.

Past heroes have bequeathed independence through bravery and sacrifice. The current generation is responsible for maintaining it through integrity, competence, unity, justice, and sustainability.

The government must ensure that development truly benefits the people, while society must actively participate in overseeing, critiquing, and constructively building the nation.

Continuing the struggle does not mean repeating past forms of struggle, but rather passing on its values according to the challenges of the times.

If heroes of the past fought for Indonesia's independence, now the task of future generations is to ensure Indonesia becomes a sovereign, just, prosperous, resilient, and dignified nation.

True heroism is not only remembered through names etched in history but is measured by the benefits of service to the nation.

Today's heroes are those who bravely uphold the truth, advocate for justice, protect lives, and build Indonesia's future.