Year 12

It’s an honor to be standing here today to speak on behalf of all the students of Global Jaya as we celebrate Indonesia’s 79th year of independence—Indonesia’s birthday! For those who don’t know me, my name is Akma Shahira Siregar, and I’m in Year 12B. As a proud Indonesian born and raised here, I am grateful I was given the chance to share a few thoughts on the significance of today’s celebration.

Raden Ajeng Kartini once said, Banyak hal yang bisa menjatuhkanmu. Tapi satu-satunya hal yang benar-benar dapat menjatuhkanmu adalah sikapmu sendiri. “Many things can bring you down. But the only thing that can really bring you down is your own attitude." It's a tough pill to swallow, but it's so true. Our mindset is everything. Independence is not just about our country being free; it’s about us being free to think, to dream, and to do.

Independence Day is a reminder of the incredible journey our nation has taken. Let’s appreciate the sacrifices of our heroes who fought tirelessly for our freedom. Without powerful leaders like Soekarno and Hatta and the countless heroes of our past, our story would not have unfolded the way it did. These leaders walked so that we could run. They were principled in their vision for our country, they cared for the good of our society, and they were courageous risk-takers.

Take, for instance, Raden Ajeng Kartini, a risk-taker who advocated for women’s education. She defied societal norms, believing in the power of knowledge to transform lives. She once said, Habislah gelap, terbitlah terang, “After darkness, comes the light.” Then there's Soekarno, our first President, who inspired unity and vision through his reflection and open mind. As he said, Jangan sekali-kali meninggalkan sejarah,  “Never leave history behind.” The sacrifices of our heroes were immense. Bung Tomo’s spirited resistance during the Battle of Surabaya reflects his unwavering dedication. His rallying cry, Merdeka atau mati!, “Freedom or death!” embodies his spirit of determination and unity.

Countless leaders and unsung heroes played an important role in our struggle for freedom. Though their names may not always be remembered, their sacrifices shaped our nation’s history. The courage and commitment of these individuals remind us of the collective effort required to achieve and preserve our freedom. Their legacy lives on in the freedom we enjoy today.

As B.J. Habibie once said, Masa lalu saya adalah milik saya. Masa lalu kamu adalah milik kamu. Tapi, masa depan adalah milik kita, “My past belongs to me. Your past belongs to you. But the future belongs to us.” This calls us to action. We have the opportunity to shape our future, and as students and future leaders, It's up to us to carry forward the legacy of those who came before us. We can honor their sacrifices by actively participating in our communities, seeking out new knowledge, and giving our best in everything we do.

Let us remember that our independence was not handed to us; it was earned through determination and sacrifice. Today, as we celebrate Indonesia's 79th Independence Day, I feel a mix of pride and responsibility. Pride in the incredible journey our nation has taken and the resilience of our people through challenges. Their determination inspires us to be bold, united, and steadfast in our pursuit of a better future.

The weight of responsibility lies heavily on our shoulders as today's youth. It's our turn to lead Indonesia forward. Independence is about having the freedom to be ourselves, to learn without limits, and to chase our passions. It's about knowing our voices matter and that we have the power to make a change, no matter how small. Let's remember those who paved the way for us. We owe it to them to embody those same qualities. Let’s echo Sutan Syahrir's sentiment: "National independence is not the final achievement, but the freedom of the people to work is the ultimate achievement." It's inspiring to think about how our everyday actions contribute to our country's progress. Whether it's acing a test, helping a friend, or simply being a good person, we're all building a better Indonesia, one small step at a time.

In celebrating our independence, let’s remember that each of us has a role in building a brighter future. Together, we can uphold the values of our heroes and work towards a more just and prosperous Indonesia. Thank you, and happy Independence Day to us all! Selamat hari ulang tahun Indonesia yang ke-79.