Robert Draws – Art and language as pillars play a critical role in shaping the national identity and character of Indonesia, a country that is striving to develop its human resources amid rapid globalization and technological advancements. Building superior human resources (HR) in Indonesia requires a solid foundation in national character and identity. Cultural expert and artist Jose Rizal Manua emphasized that strengthening national character is not just a necessity but a prerequisite for the continued existence and competitiveness of Indonesia on the global stage. He praised the National Mental Revolution Movement (GNRM) initiated in 2014 for its role in fostering this movement of national pride.
According to Jose, GNRM has proven to be a significant movement capable of involving all segments of society. Since its inception, it has demonstrated tangible results, particularly through its five main movements: Indonesia Serves, Clean, Orderly, United, and Independent. According to data from the Central Statistics Agency (BPS), the overall dimensions of the movement on the Index of Mental Revolution Achievement (ICRM) 2023 have risen to 73.82, an increase of 3.34 points from 70.47 in 2021. However, this rise still falls into the “Adequate” category.
The formation of 514 GNRM task forces in districts and cities also demonstrates the network’s solid foundation. Real actions are growing and spreading across 34 provinces, a testament to the active participation of local governments and communities. Jose points out that strengthening the national character must begin with preserving Indonesia’s arts and language.
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“One of the best examples is theater, where various art forms collaborate to create values that can reinforce the national identity,” he said during a cultural gathering in Jakarta. Theater incorporates five essential art forms: literature, acting, dance, music, and visual arts. These elements not only enrich artistic knowledge but also shape a person’s character.
Through theater, children can learn about Indonesia’s historical struggles and nationalistic values from an early age. “Art is an effective means of strengthening the sense of unity and forming a better national character,” he added. Furthermore, Jose stressed the importance of the Indonesian language as a symbol of national identity. According to him, Bahasa Indonesia is recognized in various countries, such as France and Australia, playing a strategic role in uniting the nation.
However, Jose also raised concerns about the increasing use of foreign languages, particularly among officials and citizens. “As a nation, we must protect the authenticity of our language to preserve our cultural identity,” he stated. He pointed out challenges like intolerance, the degradation of the communal values of mutual cooperation, and deepening societal polarization as significant obstacles to maintaining social harmony.
Jose also advocates for character education based on arts and local wisdom as an effective solution. “Formal education based on psychology, sociology, and anthropology is more effective in shaping character and personality in children,” he explained. Through the introduction of traditional arts, children not only learn about their own culture but also the values of cooperation and togetherness.
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Jose Rizal hopes that performances, such as the one scheduled for December 29, 2024, at the Gubah Theater in Jakarta, will inspire society to embrace Indonesian art and culture more deeply. He emphasized that Indonesia, with its cultural diversity, has a tremendous wealth that can be utilized to strengthen national character and identity from an early age. “This is capital for the younger generation to continue the nation’s development,” he said.
The strengthening of the national character is urgent, especially given the challenges Indonesia faces today, including ideological, socio-cultural, and information technology challenges. A low understanding of Pancasila values, rising intolerance, and the spread of hoaxes and disinformation underscore the need for strategic measures to address these dynamics.
Jose highlights the rapid advancement of information technology as another significant challenge. In the digital era, social media can be a double-edged sword. On one hand, it accelerates the flow of information; on the other hand, it becomes a medium for the spread of hoaxes, radicalism, and social polarization. In 2023, the Ministry of Communication and Informatics (now the Ministry of Communication and Digital) dealt with 1,615 hoax-related issues circulating on websites and digital platforms. From August 2018 to January 2024, a total of 12,547 hoax-related contents were taken down.
This digital era also sees an alarming rise in intolerance and hate speech, which can spark division among society. Throughout 2024, the Ministry of Communication and Digital, in collaboration with the National Counter-Terrorism Agency (BNPT), blocked 180,954 pieces of content related to intolerance, radicalism, extremism, and terrorism. Many of these came from terrorist groups, such as ISIS, HTI, and JAD, actively spreading violent ideologies through digital platforms.
These figures highlight the vulnerability of society to negative influences, and thus, it is crucial to strengthen the mentality of the nation’s citizens, especially from a young age, to stay united within the framework of the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia (NKRI).
In light of these challenges, Jose believes that the transformation of GNRM into the program for Strengthening National Character and Identity is a strategic step aligned with the vision of Indonesia’s President and Vice President for 2024-2029. This program integrates eight key pillars: Pancasila, Bahasa Indonesia, Character-based National Education System, Local Wisdom, National History, National Insight, Socio-cultural System, and Justice-oriented Economic Development. To accelerate this transformation, public communication activation through electronic media is crucial. Disseminating accurate information can help build a positive narrative, encourage public participation, and strengthen national identity amid social changes.
Strengthening the national character and identity is a long-term investment to ensure that Indonesia remains resilient amidst globalization. By involving all elements of society, reinforcing the arts and language, and implementing GNRM’s transformation, Indonesia can produce superior human resources that are not only globally competitive but also deeply rooted in national values. “Art and culture are the closest bastions to protect our national identity from foreign cultures that do not align with our values,” concluded Jose.
