UI Rector’s Invitation to commemorate Indonesian Heroes’ Day
DEPOK – (10/11/2020) Rector of Universitas Indonesia (UI) Prof. Ari Kuncoro, S.E, M.A, Ph.D., invited UI academics to bow their hearts for a moment of silence in commemorating the National Heroes’ Day, 10 November 2020. Prof. Ari conveyed the message that UI academics, students in particular, could become the generation heroes of their time.
“Let us commemorate the services of our heroes and predecessors, as well as health workers who died in handling the COVID-19. We also pray for the safety of medical personnel, health workers and the government in charge of dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Prof. Ari.
In his direction, Prof. Ari stated, “As young people of the nation, UI students are expected to be able to become the heroes of the younger generation who have a spirit of achievement, creative, innovative, do not incite provocation that is potential to damage public order, not easily provoked by hoaxes, willing to take real action for national unity, also to maintain diversity and tolerance.”
As a campus that carries the big name of Indonesia, UI is committed to being a pluralism laboratory that upholds diversity. As the majority of UI academicians are Muslims, they can be an inspiration for the growth and development of a moderate, tolerant and inclusive campus life. One of the efforts to put this into reality, since the beginning of his leadership, Prof. Ari has synergized four institutions/elements in UI to implement Islamic values which are rahmatan lil alamin. The four elements are the Islamic Religion Course, Mosque, Makara Art Center, and Student Dormitory.
“Indonesia was born upon the struggle of our heroes who promote diversity and differences. In contrast to the struggles of previous heroes who fought with sharpened bamboo or weapons, now, we are at war with the problems of the nation, namely the war in facing the challenges and problems due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Also, fighting against poverty, illicit drugs, natural disasters, invasion of hoaxes and false information, and the emergence of radical ideas and intolerance,” said Prof. Ari.
For these reasons, Prof. Ari hopes that this year’s commemoration of the National Heroes’ Day is not just a ceremony, but a momentum to interpret our role in maintaining the integrity of the Republic of Indonesia that has been built by the heroes and all the predecessors of this country.
“I quote the message of the National Hero Moh. Hatta as follows: The ups and downs of this country really depend on this nation itself. Within an increasingly faded unity and concern, Indonesia is just a name and a picture of a string of islands on the map. Do not expect other nations to respect this nation, if we ourselves like to deceive our fellow countrymen, destroy and steal Mother Earth’s wealth. Therefore, let’s build a moderate, tolerant, and inclusive campus life together,” said Prof. Ari. (hjtp)