Bogor, NU Online
Patriotism or the spirit of defending the homeland, should be inculcated among the young generation so that they could have a sense of nationalism inherited from our founding fathers, chairman of the Al-Gazaly Islamic Centre Foundation (YIC), KH Mustofa Abdullah said.

"Patriotism should be instilled and inculcated, especially to the young generations. This is important, so that when they grow up, they can be generations having a commitment to (dealing with) issues of nationality," Abdullah said here on Sunday.

He said, the spirit of patriotism is important to be instilled in fueling a sense of love and concern for the country. Patriotism would result in nationalism.

"We need to instill the spirit of patriotism, the spirit of fighting and never retreat in giving the best to the country," Abdullah who is also member of the Supreme Council of Nahdlatul Ulama of Bogor said.

According to Mustafa, the momentum of Indonesia's independence anniversary annually celebrated during August, should not only be used as a ritual or ceremonial, but, it should also be used as a momentum to instill the values of patriotism among children of the country.

"The anniversary of independence which we celebrate every August 17, should be used to revive the spirit of national patriotism," he said. (mkf)