73 years ago, our nation, Indonesia determined to stand on their own. Since then, it has evolved to be a multifaceted country, full of dynamic of its natural potentials, man-made infrastructures, and most significantly the diverse citizens. Looking back, we wonder what he have experienced and accomplished as a nation. Initially, we thank God our country is still going strong entering its 73 years of existence even with all of the etched sorrows, tears, and grieves from many unfortunate tragedies and conflicts. It is a part of an unavoidable evolving process of Indonesia.
Nonetheless, as proud Indonesians, our hopes for better Indonesia won’t ever perish despite the current clouded situations in our country. We shouldn’t close our eyes, cover our ears, and pretend everything is well. There have been a lot of damages that contaminate our society. Still, it is also our obligations to repair what have been done and move on, while learning from past mistakes and downturns.
“Kemerdekaan nasional bukan pencapaian akhir, tapi rakyat bebas berkarya adalah pencapaian puncaknya”
– Sutan Sjahrir.
As we always proudly proclaim, it is our noble job to document the strides of people in the local industry. It has been a pleasure to watch the rapid growth of the local industry behind our screens and in between the words. Starting in 2014, we begun to bring the hashtag #LocalPride into the light. Since then, we steadily try to maximize the usage of the hashtag, which has been received many positive appreciations from audiences. A small and steady step to launch Indonesia’s local industry to the next level.
Talking about growth, we are enjoying the progresses that we have been witnessing. Brands are evolving, maturing, and transforming to be more established. Creative figures from various backgrounds starting to show their mettles, products are getting more diverse, and what amaze us the most is the substantial support from our sole creative economic intergovernmental agency, Badan Ekonomi Kreatif (BEKRAF).
Last year, we took this exact moment to criticize their lack of concrete support for the local industry. However, one year later their supports for the local industry have been visible, evidential, and significant. BEKRAF began by facilitating five Indonesian brands to showcase their products at Agenda Show in United States. Moreover, it progresses to RISING Singapore 2018, and the latest New York Now 2018. A much appreciated gesture from BEKRAF of bringing Indonesian brands to international spotlights. A good start and we hope it will grow larger in scale with more participating brands.
Indonesia is also currently preparing for Asian Games 2018, which starts exactly tomorrow. Another proud accomplishment for our country. It is not an easy job to be the host country of one of the biggest sporting events in Asia and we feel like we manage to pull this out. What matters is again your support for Asian Games 2018. The event defines us as a nation and let’s turn it up to show ’em what we are capable of.
In the middle of all of this improvements, we quote one of our greatest national figures, the only Prime Minister in our country’s history, Sutan Sjahrir. You, Indonesians should participate in every imaginable form, no matter how minor. Create something because the freedom to create and the power to invent are the essences of independence. Being creative and inventive will generate positive outcomes, which are necessary to combat many negative influences there are.
For us, contributing to the local industry is our version of nationalism and patriotism. It is the least we can do for Indonesia and hopefully, entering its 73rd years of existence, the spirit of creativity, optimism, growth, and positivity will continue to rise in a more progressive Indonesian society in the near future. Let’s keep up the good spirit and prepare to celebrate the 74th Independence next year.