Building Indonesia from Character and Independence
(Dr. Johan Pasaribu’s National Thoughts at the Commemoration of 1 Syuro 1448 Hijriah Al Zaytun)
By: Ali Aminulloh
A great nation is not born solely from its abundant natural resources. Nor does it grow solely because of its vast territory stretching from Sabang to Merauke.
A great nation is born from people with strong character, love for their homeland, and a willingness to dedicate their best abilities to the interests of the nation and state.
This message emerged when Dr. Ir. Johan Pasaribu, Chairperson II of the National Alumni Association (IKABNAS) of the National Resilience Institute of the Republic of Indonesia (Lemhannas RI), appeared as one of the speakers at the Commemoration of the Islamic New Year, 1 Muharram 1448 Hijriah, at the Rahmatan Lil ‘Alamin Mosque, Ma’had Al Zaytun, Tuesday (June 16, 2026). Addressing thousands of participants packed into the Al Zaytun area, Johan Pasaribu conveyed his views on the importance of developing superior human resources as the primary foundation for an independent and sovereign Indonesia.
Unity Must Lead to Independence
The theme of this year’s commemoration, “Strengthening Unity to Achieve National Independence in Facing Global Challenges,” is highly strategic, according to Johan Pasaribu.
Unity, he argued, is not an end in itself. It must generate collective strength capable of propelling the nation toward independence.
In his view, a nation that relies on others to meet its basic needs will struggle to achieve true sovereignty. Therefore, national development must be directed toward strengthening the nation’s ability to meet its own needs, whether in the areas of food, education, technology, energy, or human resources.
Indonesia actually possesses all the necessary capital to become an independent nation. This country boasts abundant natural resources, vast agricultural land, a large productive population, and a highly strategic geopolitical position. What is needed is the ability to manage all of this potential in a planned and sustainable manner.
Food Security as a Pillar of Sovereignty
As a keen observer of national development, Johan Pasaribu believes that food security is one of the most important aspects in achieving national independence. He believes that a nation capable of producing its own food will be more resilient in the face of global turmoil.
Climate change, international conflicts, energy crises, and disruptions to global supply chains have provided valuable lessons that excessive dependence on other countries can pose a serious threat to national stability.
Therefore, the efforts of various educational institutions, including Al Zaytun, to develop the agriculture, livestock, and fisheries sectors are crucial.
According to Johan, education must be able to produce a generation that not only masters theory but is also capable of developing real solutions to the nation’s needs.
Preparing a Professional and Nationalist Generation
One of Johan Pasaribu’s primary concerns is the quality of Indonesia’s human resources. He emphasized that Indonesia needs a professional, competent, and highly competitive generation. However, at the same time, this generation must also possess a strong sense of nationalism.
Advances in science and technology are indeed crucial. However, without a strong national character, this progress can lose its direction. Therefore, education cannot simply produce intelligent individuals. It must produce individuals with integrity, responsibility, discipline, and a love for their country.
According to him, increasingly complex global challenges require a generation capable of strategic thinking and a strong commitment to the nation’s interests.
Vocational Education for Indonesia’s Future
In his presentation, Johan also highlighted the importance of vocational and skills-based education. He believes that Indonesia needs more educational institutions capable of bridging the needs of the workforce with the needs of national development.
Education must produce graduates who are ready to work, able to create jobs, and able to address the various real-world problems facing society. Therefore, the development of polytechnics, vocational schools, and practice-based education is a crucial need in preparing Indonesia for the future.
According to him, Al Zaytun’s steps to develop vocational education and various productivity-based programs are part of an effort to build an independent generation ready to face the changing times.
Optimism Ahead of a Golden Indonesia
Amidst the ever-growing global challenges, Johan Pasaribu remains optimistic about Indonesia’s future.
According to him, the Indonesian nation has enormous potential to become a developed and influential nation in the world. However, this potential will only yield benefits if all elements of the nation are able to work together, maintain unity, and prepare a superior next generation. Therefore, he invited all participants in the commemoration of 1 Muharram 1448 Hijriah to continue instilling a spirit of nationalism, strengthening education, and building independence in various sectors of life.
For Johan Pasaribu, Indonesia’s future is not determined solely by today’s circumstances. It is determined by the quality of the people being prepared today. And from the national meeting room at the Rahmatan Lil ‘Alamin Al Zaytun Mosque, he reiterated that strong unity, quality education, and a continuously striving for independence are the best paths to a strong, sovereign, and dignified Indonesia in the global arena. Independence!!!
Indramayu, June 18, 2026
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