By: Dr. Abdul Wadud Nafis, Lc., MEI
Indonesia’s independence, proclaimed on August 17, 1945, marks a historical milestone in the nation’s awakening toward a sovereign, just, and civilized life. However, independence should not only be understood as political freedom, but also as a moral and spiritual responsibility to uphold the values of just and civilized humanity (Hatta, 1945).
In the context of modern Indonesia, the struggle to guard independence is no longer centered on physical resistance against colonialism but on preserving the nation’s sovereignty of values and character. This is where the importance lies in reviving the moderate Islamic values deeply rooted in the archipelagic tradition, as taught by Ahlussunnah wal Jamaah al-Nahdliyah (Aswaja an-Nahdliyah) (Sahal, 2012). These values play a strategic role in realizing a noble civilization that harmonizes faith, knowledge, and action.
- The True Meaning of Independence
True independence is not merely liberation from physical domination, but also from intellectual, moral, and economic subjugation. Soekarno (1961) emphasized that independence is the gateway to social justice and people’s welfare. Similarly, Hatta (1954) viewed independence as a means to uphold justice and abolish all forms of human oppression.
Thus, guarding independence means enriching national life with the values of justice, self-reliance, and brotherhood so that Indonesia can exist as a dignified society before God and humanity.
- Indonesia’s Post-Independence Challenges
Nearly eight decades after gaining independence, Indonesia continues to face various structural and cultural challenges. Socioeconomic inequality, weakening national character, and the influence of globalization that erodes national identity pose serious threats to the sustainability of Indonesia’s true spirit (Rahardjo, 2010).
Moreover, rapid technological advancement is not always matched by moral and spiritual maturity. Consequently, ethical crises and social degradation have emerged, threatening national stability. Therefore, value reconstruction and moral education grounded in spirituality and local tradition are essential.
- Building a Noble Civilization Based on National Values
A noble civilization arises from a nation that upholds humanity, justice, and divinity. Pancasila, as the state foundation and national philosophy, serves as the ethical and moral basis of public life (Madjid, 1992). Local values rooted in the archipelago’s religious culture must support the creation of a high civilization.
A noble civilization requires a balance between material progress and spiritual maturity. Character education, equitable economy, and integrity-based governance are the three essential pillars in achieving a dignified national ideal.
- The Values of Ahlussunnah Wal Jamaah al-Nahdliyah in Building a Noble Civilization
Ahlussunnah wal Jamaah al-Nahdliyah (Aswaja an-Nahdliyah) represents a moderate, tolerant, and deeply rooted Islamic intellectual tradition. Within the Indonesian context, Aswaja values serve as the spiritual and moral foundation for building a civilization of rahmatan lil ‘alamin—a blessing for all creation (Muttaqin, 2019).
Several core principles of Aswaja an-Nahdliyah are highly relevant in safeguarding independence and building national civilization:
a. Tawassuth (Moderation) – A balanced stance rejecting extremism of any form. This principle guides people to act justly and proportionally amid diversity (Basri, 2015). In a national context, moderation is key to maintaining unity within Indonesia’s plural society.
b. Tasamuh (Tolerance) – The attitude of respecting differences in ethnicity, religion, and culture. This value strengthens Indonesia’s identity as Bhinneka Tunggal Ika (Unity in Diversity). Tolerance fosters social harmony and prevents radicalism.
c. Tawazun (Balance) – A principle of harmony between worldly and spiritual life, and between individual rights and social responsibilities. This encourages development that seeks not only material advancement but also spiritual and moral growth.
d. I’tidal (Justice and Integrity) – A commitment to upholding truth, law, and social justice. In nation-building, Aswaja teaches that justice is the essence of true independence.
e. Amar Ma’ruf Nahi Munkar (Islamic Social Ethics) – The spirit of promoting good and preventing wrongdoing forms an active principle for improving society. It serves as the ethical foundation for creating a civilized nation.
These values are not only theological but also social and cultural. Aswaja an-Nahdliyah promotes an Islam that is grounded and contextual with local culture. Thus, the noble civilization aspired to by Indonesia can be realized through harmony between religion, culture, and humanity.
- The Role of the Young Generation in Safeguarding Independence
The younger generation is the bearer of the nation’s ideals and the guardian of Aswaja an-Nahdliyah’s values. They must be equipped with nationalism, digital literacy, and strong faith. Through education rooted in Aswaja values, youth can become agents of change—civilized and full of integrity (Anwar, 2020).
Guarding Indonesia’s independence means instilling Islamic values of rahmatan lil ‘alamin within the nation’s social, political, and economic life.
Conclusion
Safeguarding Indonesia’s independence means ensuring that the spirit of independence continues to live within the nation’s soul. Today’s struggle is no longer against armed colonialism, but against moral and value-based colonization. In this regard, the values of Ahlussunnah wal Jamaah al-Nahdliyah serve as a strategic guide for building a peaceful, just, and noble civilization.
By adopting Aswaja as a paradigm of nationhood and governance, Indonesia can progress toward a civilization that excels not only in technology but also in moral virtue, cultural refinement, and social justice.
References
Anwar, R. (2020). Pemuda dan Tantangan Era Digital: Membangun Karakter Bangsa di Abad 21. Jakarta: Prenadamedia Group.
Basri, M. (2015). Nilai-Nilai Aswaja dan Relevansinya dalam Kehidupan Modern. Surabaya: LTN NU Jawa Timur.
Hatta, M. (1945). Mendayung di Antara Dua Karang. Jakarta: Pustaka Rakyat.
Hatta, M. (1954). Ekonomi Terpimpin dan Demokrasi Sosial. Jakarta: Balai Pustaka.
Madjid, N. (1992). Islam, Kemodernan, dan Keindonesiaan. Bandung: Mizan.
Muttaqin, A. (2019). Aswaja An-Nahdliyah: Manhaj Moderasi dan Peradaban. Yogyakarta: LKiS.
Rahardjo, D. (2010). Membangun Indonesia yang Bermartabat. Yogyakarta: Gadjah Mada University Press.
Sahal, M. (2012). Nuansa Fiqh Sosial. Jakarta: LKiS.
Soekarno. (1961). Di Bawah Bendera Revolusi. Jakarta: Panitia Penerbitan DBR.