.png)
 |
| Prof. Dr. Capt. Eddy Sumartono - Exclusive Photo |
Prof. Dr. Capt. Eddy Sumartono Calls on All Indonesians to Safeguard Peace and National Unity
faktaliputan@gmail.com Jakarta, September 1, 2025 – Amidst the dynamic challenges of national life, Prof. Dr. Capt. Eddy Sumartono, DBA., Ph.D., a maritime expert and distinguished academic, has delivered a significant call for all Indonesians to preserve peace, unity, and harmony in society. His message resonates with the official Appeal Letter to Maintain Public Order and Harmony recently issued by the Directorate General of Christian Community Guidance, Ministry of Religious Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia, which stresses the importance of calmness, peace, and solidarity for the integrity of the nation.
A Message for Every Citizen
Prof. Eddy emphasized that maintaining peace is not merely
the responsibility of religious leaders or community figures, but a moral and
spiritual duty for every citizen.
"We all, without exception, share the responsibility to safeguard
harmony in this nation. Indonesia is our common home. We must never allow
differences to divide us," he declared.
He reminded the public that throughout history, Indonesia
has shown its strength through unity. From the struggle for independence to
modern times, the nation has overcome crises by embracing solidarity and mutual
cooperation.
"If we lose the spirit of unity, we lose the very essence of our
identity as a nation," he added.
Inspired by the Ministry’s Appeal Letter
The foundation of this message stems from the Appeal Letter to Maintain Harmony issued by the Ministry of Religious Affairs, which highlights the vital role of Christian communities in promoting order, peace, and social cohesion. The letter urged believers to:
- Encourage congregations to uphold peace, order, and brotherhood.
- Avoid words and actions that may trigger division or conflict.
- Strengthen the role of churches as agents of peace in their communities.
- Support all efforts to nurture interfaith harmony.
- Maintain a safe and peaceful environment for the common good.
Prof. Eddy stressed that these values are not exclusive to
Christians, but universally relevant across all faiths, cultures, and ethnic
groups in Indonesia.
"The essence of this appeal lies in a universal human principle: to
live in peace with one another. It is a moral calling for every
individual," he noted.
Relevance Amidst Today’s Challenges
Indonesia currently faces numerous challenges, both
domestically and globally: from political tensions and economic uncertainties
to climate change and the spread of misinformation. Prof. Eddy urged citizens
not to be easily provoked by misleading narratives.
"Hoaxes and hate speech are poisons that destroy brotherhood. We must
not allow ourselves to be trapped in divisive discourse. Let us be wise in
filtering information," he warned.
He also highlighted the crucial role of youth in shaping
the future. Young people, he said, should become active peacebuilders through
dialogue, collaboration, and innovation.
"The young generation of Indonesia is our hope. Be the torchbearers of
unity, not the flame of division," he encouraged.
Spiritual and National Values Intertwined
Prof. Eddy further quoted the Bible, “If it is possible,
as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone” (Romans 12:18),
noting that this spiritual principle aligns perfectly with Indonesia’s national
ideology, Pancasila, and the motto Bhinneka Tunggal Ika (Unity in
Diversity).
"Faith must manifest in action—respecting one another, helping one
another, and strengthening one another. That is the truest expression of love
for this nation," he explained.
He also emphasized the importance of interfaith
cooperation.
"Indonesia will only grow stronger if its people build bridges of
compassion rather than walls of division," he asserted.
A Call to Leaders and Authorities
Prof. Eddy extended his message to government officials and
community leaders, urging them to set an example of integrity and
inclusiveness. He stressed that their policies and attitudes greatly shape
social dynamics.
"Leaders must act as unifiers, not as sources of division. Now is the
time to demonstrate true leadership rooted in character and integrity,"
he said.
According to him, national stability is not only the
product of political or economic measures but also the result of tolerance,
solidarity, and collective commitment.
"The stability of our nation is built through shared responsibility. No
single group can achieve it alone," he added.
Building Towards Indonesia’s Golden Vision 2045
Looking ahead, Prof. Eddy reminded the nation of the grand
vision of Indonesia Emas 2045, which envisions Indonesia as a sovereign,
advanced, and prosperous nation by its centennial independence anniversary.
"We cannot achieve Indonesia Emas if we waste our energy in conflict.
We need positive energy to build, not negative energy to divide," he
said firmly.
He also reflected on the recent celebration of Indonesia’s
80th Independence Day as a moment to reaffirm the meaning of freedom and unity.
"Independence is not only about freedom from colonial rule but also
freedom from hatred, enmity, and division," he emphasized.
A Closing Call for Peace
Prof. Eddy’s call is ultimately a reminder of the moral
responsibility each Indonesian carries to safeguard the nation’s peace and
unity. He underscored that harmony is the key foundation for Indonesia to stand
strong on the global stage.
"In every prayer, in every action, let us choose the path of peace. Let
us not be divided by differences. Indonesia is a great nation, and that
greatness will only shine if we remain united. Let us pass on a peaceful and
harmonious Indonesia to our future generations," he concluded.
✨ With this heartfelt call, Prof. Dr. Capt. Eddy Sumartono hopes that Indonesians from Sabang to Merauke, Miangas to Rote, will join hands to preserve unity, peace, and harmony—ensuring the continued glory of the nation.
******
Press Release,.