By: Bara Winatha
The commemoration of Heroes’ Day on November 10, 2025, once again serves as a moment for all Indonesians to reaffirm their commitment to maintaining unity and rejecting all forms of provocation that could disrupt social harmony. Carrying the theme “My Hero, My Role Model: Keep Moving Forward, Continue the Struggle,” this year’s message emphasizes that the legacy of the nation’s heroes is not merely a story of the past, but a set of living values that must continue to be upheld and embodied in today’s national life. Heroes’ Day is a moral call to continue the relay of struggle through real actions—maintaining order, strengthening social solidarity, and fostering vigilance against provocations that could divide the nation.
The Deputy Governor of West Kalimantan, Krisantus Kurniawan, asserted that one of the best ways to honor the heroes’ sacrifices is by preserving the spirit of unity. He stated that the younger generation plays a strategic role in ensuring that the spirit of nationalism remains alive amid the challenges of digitalization, the rapid flow of information, and the increasing potential for disinformation. Youths must take the lead in contributing positively to national development by maintaining harmony, prioritizing dialogue, and not easily being provoked by divisive issues. Preserving unity is a direct reflection of the values of struggle inherited from the nation’s heroes and should stand as a moral commitment for all future generations.
The Chairman of the Bandung City Regional House of Representatives (DPRD), Asep Mulyadi, also highlighted the importance of community leaders in maintaining harmony at the local level. He said that community figures must actively gather, maintain communication, and mutually oversee social security within their environments. According to him, the spirit of Heroes’ Day should be implemented by strengthening social networks at the family, neighborhood (RT), and community (RW) levels, as social resilience begins from the smallest circles. A community that knows and protects one another will be stronger against potential divisions. He called on informal leaders, religious figures, neighborhood heads, and community organizations to stand at the forefront in preventing provocations and safeguarding public security.
Similarly, the Deputy Mayor of Bekasi, Abdul Harris Bobiho, reminded citizens to be cautious in using social media, especially during Heroes’ Day, when various groups often exploit the occasion to spread provocative content. The public must be wise in receiving information, avoid believing unverified news, and refrain from spreading hate speech that could trigger social conflict. Harris emphasized that provocative acts leading to anarchism, vandalism, or social discord are betrayals of the values fought for by the nation’s heroes. Maintaining composure and rationality in the public sphere is a moral obligation in continuing the heroes’ legacy—one rooted in wisdom and a strong commitment to national unity.
This year’s Heroes’ Day commemoration also features the launch of the official theme and logo by Indonesia’s Ministry of Social Affairs. The theme “My Hero, My Role Model: Keep Moving Forward, Continue the Struggle” underscores that every citizen bears a moral responsibility to uphold the values of struggle passed down through generations. The logo, depicting a figure marching forward with the Red-and-White flag as a symbolic source of energy, represents a spirit of progress and optimism in facing Indonesia’s future. The dominant red and blue colors symbolize courage, sincerity, and a commitment to a brighter tomorrow. The theme and logo remind us that today’s struggle is no longer fought on battlefields, but in the social sphere—where unity and vigilance against divisive threats must prevail.
The spirit of Heroes’ Day is increasingly relevant amid a society prone to polarization. Provocations on social media, the spread of hoaxes, and digital manipulation often threaten public trust and undermine social harmony. In such a climate, the people are called to possess both digital literacy and social sensitivity. Seeking information from credible sources, avoiding hateful content, and verifying news accuracy are concrete steps to preserve unity. Additionally, the roles of families, community leaders, and educational institutions are vital in instilling critical thinking and integrity among the younger generation, ensuring they are not swayed by provocations that contradict national values.
The Heroes’ Day moment also invites reflection on the meaning of struggle in today’s context. Modern struggle is no longer centered on physical battles, but on the ability to maintain social peace. Managing differences with maturity, rejecting conflict, spreading positive information, and strengthening solidarity are meaningful contributions that the nation truly needs. The heroes of the past have bequeathed the spirit of perseverance, courage, and sacrifice—while today’s generation must continue that legacy by building harmony and maintaining social stability.
As a diverse nation, Indonesia requires active participation from all societal elements to avoid division caused by intentionally fabricated issues. Heroes’ Day should serve as a reminder that independence and unity are hard-won achievements that must never be taken for granted. Maintaining unity and vigilance against provocation are the highest forms of respect for the heroes’ legacy. By acting wisely, upholding social order, and rejecting all forms of provocation, the Indonesian people actively continue the heroes’ struggle toward a peaceful, secure, and dignified Indonesia.
The author is a social and community affairs observer.
