Even before August arrives, residents begin beautifying their surroundings by painting fences, arranging flower pots, and adding color to roadside curbs, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of their neighborhoods.
As August 1 approaches—the start of Indonesia’s Independence Month—the atmosphere becomes even more lively. Residents raise red-and-white flags outside their homes and install decorative banners.
At night, the celebration is brightened by the glow of colorful, twinkling lights.
Public roads reflect the same festive spirit, with banners and flags displayed by residents whose homes line the streets. Celebrations often include various public activities such as fun walks and parades.
All these vibrant preparations are made possible through gotong royong—Indonesia’s tradition of mutual cooperation—among residents, supported by local officials at the village or urban ward level, along with neighborhood and community leaders (RT and RW).
Thus, Independence Day serves not only as a time to reflect on the struggles of national heroes and foster patriotism but also as a moment to preserve the ancestral cultural value of gotong royong, or working together for the common good.
While weekends in other months may be reserved for recreation, family time, or relaxation, the days leading up to and during August are often devoted to community clean-up events, with neighbors coming together in a collective effort.
Although several communities organize cleanliness competitions at the RT, RW, sub-district, or district levels, the drive to beautify the neighborhood goes beyond the desire to win awards. There is an ingrained awareness among residents that August is the time to create a clean and welcoming environment, regardless of any competition.
“We are living in the era of freedom that was fought for through great sacrifice—even lives—by our heroes. Isn’t it the least we can do to welcome Independence Day by creating a festive and clean neighborhood?” Such is the sentiment embedded in the hearts of many Indonesians as August arrives.
This spirit of festivity goes beyond banners and decorative lights. It is also evident when residents gather for clean-up activities in their communities.
During these activities, neighbors interact and engage in light-hearted conversations—something they may not have time for in their busy daily lives.
These gatherings often lead to shared meals or simple coffee and tea breaks accompanied by light snacks, strengthening their sense of togetherness.
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Communal spirit
For urban communities, such genuine moments of connection can be rare. August provides a valuable opportunity to revive the spirit of cooperation and community.
It is not just adult men who contribute—women often prepare meals for the volunteers, while children observe and participate, learning valuable lessons about working together.
These experiences serve as natural, informal ways of passing down cultural and social values to the next generation. Through witnessing their parents’ actions, children learn that collaboration and good neighborliness are crucial to community life.
This year, the 80th Independence Day celebration carries the theme “Unity for Sovereignty, People’s Welfare, and a Progressive Indonesia.” This theme reflects Indonesia’s foundational value of unity. It is this togetherness that drives the vision of a sovereign, prosperous, and advanced nation.
Of course, national progress and shared prosperity cannot be achieved through neighborhood clean-ups alone. The spirit of gotong royong must be extended to all aspects of life.
At every level and in every context, collective efforts toward national goals must become a shared guide. Every member of society should prioritize the common good, from local interactions among neighbors to the pursuit of broader national interests.
When nationalism and collective spirit are truly internalized, there is little space for deviation from duty, except in the pursuit of the nation's greater good. If our predecessors fought for independence with physical strength and weapons, today’s generation must fight a different kind of battle: overcoming selfishness and putting the nation above personal interest.
Instilling honesty and prioritizing the nation over self-interest must begin at home and be reinforced in schools. Families and educators must collectively resist dishonest behavior, especially among children.
A crucial lesson for children is learning not to take what isn’t theirs. While it may seem like a small matter, teaching honesty and integrity from an early age will shape their character in adulthood.
Although such efforts may appear simple, consistent and collective action will yield meaningful results in the long run. Every major transformation starts with small steps.
Let us liberate ourselves—and the next generation—from the grip of ego.
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Translator: Masuki M. Astro, Primayanti
Editor: M Razi Rahman
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