Delivering Independence Oration, Alissa Wahid alludes to political elite billboards

Jakarta, NU Online

National Coordinator of the Gusdurian Network, Alissa Qotrunnada Munawaroh Wahid, explained the difference between leaders on the battlefield in 1945 against the colonialists and today's ones. When the Indonesian people have to struggle against the Covid-19 pandemic. He alluded to various attractions from the current political elite, including the installation of billboards in the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic, which has still become endemic.

 

According to Alissa, the billboards on the faces of national figures depict pragmatism towards political interests, making them afraid that people will forget their faces. Alissa quoted the words of Buya Syafii Ma'arif who said that this country had a surplus of politicians and few statesmen.

 

Alissa made the remarks when delivering the Independence Oration during the Virtual Ceremony of the Gusdurian Network with interfaith activists to commemorate the 76th Independence Day of the Republic of Indonesia, which was broadcast live through the Gusdurian TV Youtube Channel, Tuesday (17/8/ 2021).

 

"In 1945, in a situation litttered fully with uncertainty, unpreparedness, discomfort, and in the midst of different views, our leaders sincerely agreed to give birth to the Republic of Indonesia by putting aside the interests of their groups, then working hand in hand to care for the baby of the republic," Alissa said.

 

During those times of struggle, Yogyakarta contributed a place when the capital had to be taken into account. Meanwhile, Aceh contributed resources when Indonesia had nothing. Even the students under the command of Hadratusyekh KH Hasyim Asy'ari with the capital of the spirit of hubbul wathan minal iman played an important role in fighting for Indonesia from the invasion of allied troops.

 

"But this time, most of the nation's elites seem to have different priorities from the nation's leaders in 1945. Instead of focusing their resources on contributing to the pandemic, we are treated to various actions that are worrisome," the eldest daughter of KH Abdurrahman Wahid (Gus Dur). said.

 

She mentioned some of the apprehensive actions. Among them were the statements made by officials who underestimate the pandemic, the statements of officials who mutually negate each other, local government policies that are not in line with the central government, corruption of pandemic data just to make themselves proud in the eyes of the electorate public.

 

"There is social assistance being corrupted, there is an uproar about His Excellency the People's Representatives who demand special treatment such as a special hospital for people's representatives and self-isolation facilities in hotels when the people they represent have to find a place for being expelled from their villages, just because of a positive Covid-19. There is also an attempt to take advantage of disasters to pursue oligarchic agendas,” Alissa explained.

 

She emphasized that concern must be grown not only out of respect for the millions of people affected by the pandemic, but it is also inappropriate to hold an independence party. Because this year, all elements of the nation must learn more about homework, which is still far from the ideal of building a just, prosperous, and peaceful country.

 

"This year, we need to commemorate independence by giving independence to Indonesian heroes today. Without those who are at the critical line of the pandemic, we know nothing about the condition of our people. People who are sick will not be helped, those who need help will not be served, those who are sad will not be with them," she said.

 

This year's commemoration of independence, Alissa added, must be done by organizing one's heart and self, then preparing to take positif steps. Then, she invited them to pray together with the aim of strengthening the conscience and the integrity of the soul.

 

“There is no need to be determined to be a national hero. We just need to strengthen our heart to serve the nation, for Indonesia to be strong, for Indonesia to be healthy. As the successors of Gus Dur's struggle, we have been inspired to never stop loving Indonesia. We have been inspired to move for the sake of the Indonesian people," Alissa said.

 

“We have been inspired to give, not just take and receive from the motherland. We have been inspired to act, not just think and talk. We have been inspired to strive for our ideals. We have been inspired not to expect anything in return other than the cause of the struggle itself,” she added.

 

What is important to note here is that, the event which was attended by all Gusdurian coordinators and activists throughout Indonesia was filled with reading the independence poem delivered by the Gus Dur's youngest daughter Inaya Wulandari Wahid and closed with the reading of prayers for independence from interfaith leaders.

 

Reporter: Aru Lego Triono

Editor: Sudarto Murtaufiq