Speech Contest

Independence

Our national heroes sacrificed their lives and property to repel invaders from the land that we can
proudly call our homeland, which is finally independent after experiencing the ravages of
colonialism for hundreds of years. That is why the meaning of independence always holds a
special place in our hearts.

Today we all gather here to commemorate 78 years of our proudest achievements, which is our
Independence Day. I want to ask a simple question for all of us, how would it feel to live our lives
now without freedom? Can you imagine how much misery would impact us if the Indonesian
National Revolution did not happen?

Their struggle to fight for our sovereignty involved broken and bloody armed conflicts and
internal Indonesian political and coordinated disruptions. Throughout all those times, they have
lived through day and night knowing a bullet could shoot their brains at some point, but they still
stayed brave for us. Thus, our lives in the future would be at stake if they gave up fighting by
then at some point.

Independence is not just being free from colonialism for over 70 years but learning what process
means, and achieving this requires a very long time. It takes energy, tears, and even blood for
thousands of lives in the beloved homeland of Indonesia.

Independence is the first door for Indonesian residents to start living normally, without
intimidation and colonialism, which makes it difficult for us to move and progress as regular
human beings. Now it is required for us, as our country's people, to operate together and
maintain what our heroes have fought for because we cannot afford to lose it again.

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Before I close my speech, I'd like to give out a quote from the Vice Chairwoman of the Jakarta
Legislative Council, Rany Mauliani.
"To my brothers and sisters, especially millennial youth, keep loving your Nation and Country,
and never forget the history of those before you. Make history the foundation of your attitude as
a dignified and honorable citizen of Indonesia, make the Unitary State of the Republic of
Indonesia a fixed price, once independent, always independent."