Leading the Commemoration of Indonesia's 78th Anniversary, Minister of Social Affairs Reminds the Importance of Maintaining Unity

JAKARTA (August 17, 2023) – The cheerful colors of traditional clothes from various regions in Indonesia can be seen at the office field of the Indonesian Ministry of Social Affairs. Thursday morning (17/08), MoSA employees celebrated the commemoration of the 78th Anniversary of the Republic of Indonesia, wearing traditional clothes.

Dressed in Palembang traditional clothes, Minister of Social Affairs Tri Rismaharini was present to lead the ceremony. In her statement, Minister of Social Affairs Risma revealed that in welcoming this independence, we must uphold unity even with all different kinds of colored.

"With this momentum of independence, we must remember that we are indeed different. We are different, from whatever side. God created humans with different fingerprints, none of them are the same. But that doesn't mean we shouldn't unite. We are indeed different, different in terms of ethnicity, religion, belief and others, but we must remain in the corridor of unity," she said.

Furthermore, Minister of Social Affairs Risma expressed her concern when remembering the services of heroes who had fought for Indonesian independence 78 years ago. The Minister of Social Affairs reminded that the Indonesian nation should not be divided, especially considering the sacrifices of the heroes.

"We are a great nation. Don't let us be divided. All warriors have given up what they have so that we can feel alive today. I am sure that it is not easy for the fallen heroes, veterans and even their families," the Minister of Social Affairs said with eyes full of concern.

The Minister of Social Affairs Risma interpreted the commemoration of Indonesian independence as the fulfilment of rights for all humans who have been born into the world. Whether poor, disabled, or elderly, they all have the same rights. She added that independence means that all facilities must be accessible to everyone without exception.

"There should be no refusal (in accessing health facilities) when people are getting ill. Children must also be able to go to school even if they don't have a uniform. There should be no discrimination against children," she said.

Even low-income earners have the right to succeed. "So the space and opportunity to succeed must be given equally. Although the poor, the disabled, the elderly all have the right and opportunity to succeed. People can live in the poles, so that in our rich country they can also be succeed," she added.

Responding to President Joko Widodo's speech regarding the demographic bonus, Minister of Social Affairs Risma also reminded that all children have potential. She believes that everyone is given advantages and disadvantages. "If there is a desire to strive, everyone can succeed," she said.

Risma also gave an example of children with disabilities who are also beneficiaries at the Pangudi Luhur Bekasi Integrated Center. Those who are members of the Marching Band Blind Disability (Disnet Band) also performed to accompany the hoisting of the Red and White Flag at the Indonesian Ministry of Social Affairs Office.

They also enlivened the commemoration by performing several national anthems. The Minister of Social Affairs expressed her appreciation to children with visual disabilities who have dared to appear in the commemoration of the 78th Anniversary of the Republic of Indonesia. "Thank you, all my children. Your shortcomings do not cover your strengths," she praised the Disnet Band players.

Salwa (11), one of the Disnet Band players, expressed her pride to be able to perform to accompany the raising of the Red and White Flag at the Ministry of Social Affairs office. "I've only been training since Friday. But thank God I was able to perform well at this ceremony. I'm so happy to be perform. I've performed here twice," she said excitedly.

In this solemn commemoration ceremony of the 78th Anniversary of the Republic of Indonesia, the Minister of Social Affairs also had the opportunity to pin the Satya Lancana Honor Award for MoSA employees who have served for 10, 20, and 30 years. It is known that as many as 277 MoSA employees received the Satya Lancana Honor Award.