UNAIR NEWS – “Independence is an open opportunity for all of us as citizens of the nation to contribute to the nation’s progress “. The statement was made by the Rector of Universitas Airlangga, Prof. Dr. Moh. Nasih, SE., MT., Ak., CMA., in between his busy schedule on Wednesday, August 16.
The 13th Rector of UNAIR said, with independence, all citizens of the nation can continue to serve according to their respective capacities. With independence as well, opportunity was created to achieve the welfare of the Indonesia.
“If we were not free we would not have the opportunity to serve to the nation,” he said.
Asked about the meaning of independence, Nasih emphasized that the nation’s independence must be evaluated.
“Are we really free already? Colonials did not use to refer to the Dutch. It was started by the coming of the company (VOC), “said Nasih.
Nasih believed that this nation is not independent yet because of the nature and attitude of each individual in the nation. Nasih said that Indonesia is currently colonized by capitalism and materialism.
“This is our homework. As long as these two things still exist in our minds, efforts to fight for true independence will be disrupted. If they were within us, could we think about others let alone all citizens of Indonesia, “said Nasih.
Furthermore, Nasih emphasized the point that ruins nationalism is the attitude of capitalism and non-religious materialism. For Nasih the attitude and mindset of materialism makes every citizen fear death and love the world too much.
“It also damages our religion and nationalism. With fear of death people are afraid of fighting. It didn’t happen in the past, our people were not afraid to die, so they gave their all to fight, “explained Nasih. “Let’s avoid those two traits,” Nasih said.
At the end of the interview, Nasih stressed that the 72 years was a long journey of a nation. The big challenge is the lack of leaders who have a vision of Indonesia’s far ahead.
“Change regime change policy. Each president has their own vision. In my opinion, we must have a firm grip on the constitution where our nation’s directed well so whoever the leader, we have the same vision and goals, “said Nasih ended.
Author: Nuri Hermawan
Editor: Defrina Sukma S
