Unity Is the Greatest Heritage of the Indonesian Nation
(National Reflection by Drs. Ch. Robin Simanullang from Al Zaytun)
By: Ali Aminulloh
In a world increasingly filled with polarization, conflicts of interest, and identity struggles, Indonesia remains a nation capable of maintaining unity amidst diversity.
This success certainly did not happen by itself.
It is the result of the long struggle of the nation’s founders who laid the foundations of nationalism on the values of unity, tolerance, and a spirit of living together.
However, history also teaches that unity cannot be simply inherited.
Unity must be continuously nurtured, maintained, and fought for by each generation.
That was the message conveyed by Drs. Ch. Robin Simanullang, Senior Journalist for Tokoh Indonesia Magazine, while speaking at the Islamic New Year Commemoration of 1 Muharram 1448 Hijriah at the Rahmatan Lil ‘Alamin Mosque, Ma’had Al Zaytun, Tuesday (June 16, 2026).
Before thousands of participants consisting of national figures, academics, interfaith leaders, members of the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) and the Indonesian National Police (Polri), students, Islamic boarding school students (santri), and the general public, Robin Simanullang delivered a national reflection on the importance of maintaining unity as the primary asset towards an independent and competitive Indonesia.
Indonesia and the Miracle of Unity
According to Robin Simanullang, Indonesia is one of the greatest miracles in modern world history.
How could it not be? Thousands of islands separated by sea, hundreds of ethnic groups with different languages and cultures, and various religions and beliefs can live in one country called Indonesia.
Many countries around the world face prolonged conflict due to differences in identity.
However, Indonesia has been able to survive and continue to develop because of its strong foundation of unity.
According to him, this success is a valuable legacy that must be continuously preserved by all the nation’s children.
Unity is not just a part of history. Unity is a necessity for the future.
Al Zaytun as a National Laboratory
In Robin Simanullang’s view, one of Al Zaytun’s most appealing aspects is its ability to provide a meeting place for various elements of the nation.
He views Al Zaytun not only as an educational institution, but also as a national laboratory.
Here, various community groups can meet, engage in dialogue, and get to know each other.
At the commemoration of 1 Muharram 1448 Hijri, interfaith figures, academics, state officials, community leaders, students, and the general public were present in a forum filled with a friendly atmosphere.
According to Robin, such a scene is a true reflection of the ideals of the nation’s founders.
That Indonesia was not built on uniformity, but on the ability to live together in diversity.
Unity Must Not Be a Slogan
Robin Simanullang reminded us that unity is not enough to be simply expressed in speeches or written in various state documents.
Unity must be realized in concrete actions.
Unity must be present in everyday life.
Unity must be visible in the way society respects differences.
Unity must be seen in a willingness to dialogue and cooperate for the benefit of the nation.
According to him, one of the nation’s greatest challenges today is the tendency of some people to focus more on differences than similarities.
In fact, as Indonesians, there are far more values that unite us than those that divide us.
Therefore, the spirit of national brotherhood must continue to be strengthened.
Global Challenges and the Importance of Togetherness
In his presentation, Robin also touched on various global challenges currently facing the world.
Rapid technological developments, international economic competition, social change, and the unstoppable flow of information present new challenges for every nation.
According to him, a divided nation will struggle to face these challenges.
Conversely, a united nation will possess the collective energy capable of transforming challenges into opportunities.
Therefore, unity must be seen as a strategic asset for development.
Unity is not just a social issue.
Unity also has economic, political, cultural, and even defense values that are crucial for Indonesia’s future.
Optimism for Indonesia
As a journalist who has long observed the nation’s progress, Robin Simanullang said he remains optimistic about Indonesia’s future.
According to him, this nation possesses abundant natural resources, a strategic global position, extraordinary cultural diversity, and a society with a strong tradition of mutual cooperation.
All of this potential represents significant capital for building a more advanced Indonesia.
However, this potential will only yield benefits if all elements of the nation are able to maintain togetherness and work together the same.
Therefore, optimism must continue to be fostered.
A great nation is one that believes in its own abilities.
Preserving the Legacy of the Nation’s Founders
Towards the end of his presentation, Robin Simanullang encouraged all participants to continue preserving the greatest legacy left by the nation’s founders, namely Indonesian unity.
According to him, the independence enjoyed today is the result of the joint struggle of various community groups who were willing to put the interests of the nation above those of their own factions.
This spirit must be passed on to the younger generation.
From the podium at the Commemoration of 1 Muharram 1448 Hijriah at Al Zaytun, Robin Simanullang delivered a message highly relevant to national life today.
That Indonesia will remain strong as long as its people maintain unity.
Indonesia will remain respected as long as its people are able to live together.
And Indonesia will continue to move forward if all the nation’s children are willing to preserve this country’s greatest legacy.
That legacy is called the Unity of Indonesia.
Indonesia, June 21, 2026
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