Boundless Solidarity: From Disaster to Hope for a Golden Indonesia
(Reflection on National Social Solidarity Day)
By Dr. Ali Aminulloh, M.PdI. ME
Every December 20th, the Indonesian people commemorate National Social Solidarity Day (HKSN). It is not just a commemoration day, but also a marker of a fundamental value that has long been the strength of this nation: solidarity. In 2025, HKSN adopted the theme “Boundless Solidarity Towards a Golden Indonesia,” a message that feels increasingly relevant amidst the natural disasters that have struck various regions, particularly Aceh, West Sumatra, and North Sumatra.
Solidarity is not an abstract concept. It was born from history, tested by disaster, and finds meaning in everyday actions.
The Roots of Solidarity in National History
HKSN is rooted in a significant event in Indonesian history. On December 19, 1948, the Second Dutch Military Aggression rocked Yogyakarta, the nation’s capital at the time. The country was attacked, leaders were arrested, and the future of independence hung in the balance.
However, the day after—December 20, 1948—the Indonesian people demonstrated their true strength. They worked together to assist the fighters, provide logistics, protect refugees, and maintain the pulse of the struggle. Without official command, solidarity grew from a shared awareness.
This spirit was later immortalized as National Social Solidarity Day, initiated in 1958 and officially named HKSN in 1983. Since then, mutual cooperation has become not only a cultural heritage, but also a national identity.
Disasters as a Test of Humanity
Decades have passed, and the nation’s test is no longer military aggression, but natural disasters. Earthquakes, floods, landslides, and extreme weather have become a recurring reality, especially in vulnerable areas like Aceh, West Sumatra, and North Sumatra.
Houses collapsed, livelihoods were lost, and grief enveloped many families. Yet amidst the pain, the same scene always emerged: volunteers arriving, public kitchens being set up, and donations pouring in from across the country. Solidarity has once again found its tangible form.
The Quran clearly emphasizes this principle:
“And help one another in righteousness and piety.”
(Surah Al-Ma’idah: 2)
This verse is not merely spiritual advice, but also social guidance. In disasters, empathy must be translated into action.
Solidarity is a Universal Language
The renowned scientist Albert Einstein once said that humans are part of a larger whole called the universe. This means that the suffering of one group of people is truly a shared responsibility.
In the Indonesian context, this message is highly relevant. The grief in Aceh is not unique to Aceh. The floods in West Sumatra are not just a regional affair. Solidarity without boundaries means abandoning boundaries of territory, identity, and differences of interest.
Islam teaches deeper empathy. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) described humanity as one body: when one part hurts, the rest of the body feels it. This is the moral foundation of social solidarity.
From Ceremony to Real Action
National Day commemorations are often filled with community service, health services, and empowerment of vulnerable groups. All of these are important. But the real challenge is ensuring solidarity doesn’t stop at ceremony.
Social solidarity must be lived out in everyday behavior:
1. Caring for neighbors in need.
2. Not ignoring environmental damage, as disasters often stem from human actions.
3. Refrain from hate speech and divisive hoaxes.
4. Willing to share, even within limits.
Sociologist Emile Durkheim called solidarity the glue that holds society together. Without it, a nation is nothing more than a collection of fragile individuals. Golden Indonesia is not only determined by technology and economic growth, but also by the quality of its citizens’ social concern.
Towards a Humane Golden Indonesia
Golden Indonesia 2045 requires superior human resources, but also character. Disasters teach one important lesson: sophistication means nothing without humanity.
The Quran concludes this message powerfully:
“Whoever saves the life of a human being, it is as if he has saved the life of all mankind.”
(QS. Al-Ma’idah: 32)
That is the true meaning of HKSN. Boundless solidarity is not a slogan, but a path to the future. From history, from disasters, and from small everyday actions, Indonesia has learned one thing: this nation will only progress if it leaves no one behind.**
Indonesia, December 20, 2025
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