Minister urges nation to pursue common interest

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Social Affairs Minister Saifullah Yusuf encouraged Indonesian people to prioritize common interests over selfish goals on 2024 National Heroes Day, as mandated by President Prabowo Subianto.

"We can take a lot of cues from our heroes, the founding fathers of this nation, starting from their patience in obtaining knowledge, tenacity in seeking consolidation, and willingness to prioritize common interests," he remarked at the Kalibata National Heroes Cemetery in Jakarta on Sunday.

Yusuf noted that the theme of "Emulate Your Heroes, Love Your Country" raised for this year's National Heroes Day drew inspiration from the president's message about the importance of the nation applying heroic values.

The head of state's directive can also be translated into the need to always think forward for the sake of the nation's future, he added. Furthermore, Yusuf informed that the Ministry of Social Affairs had organized various activities in commemoration of National Heroes Day, which is celebrated every November 10.

He said that the activities include events aimed at instilling heroic values in school students and the provision of assistance to veterans and their families, senior citizens, and persons with disabilities. Yusuf then emphasized that the Ministry of Social Affairs will also continue to involve Indonesian veterans in every state event and heed their inputs.

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In August 2024, the ministry, led by then-Social Affairs Minister Tri Rismhaharini, proposed 16 names to be declared national heroes to the Council of Titles, Merits, and Honors.

The 16 names were chosen by the ministry from suggestions received from communities at the district, municipal, and provincial levels. The council will then choose six of the proposed names to be forwarded to President Prabowo.