Coming to its 68th anniversary, Indonesia, again, remembers how Soekarno-Hatta and other heroes proclaimed Independence.
“The theme of Indonesian Independence Day this year is Maintaining Political Stability and Economic Growth to Increase People’s Prosperity. The one to hold this responsibility is, obviously, the government. We – as a higher learning community, moreover as UGM – have the strength, opportunity and big role for the progress of our nation,” said Rector of UGM, Prof. Dr. Pratikno, M.Soc., Sc, when leading the celebration of the Indonesian Independence at Balairung UGM, Saturday (17/8).
The Rector revealed Indonesia’s economic growth in the past few years was amazing. Amidst the global crisis, Indonesia was able to reach over 6% growth and currently is in the ranks of middle income countries.
Amidst the good economic growth, the Rector said, Indonesia is facing serious problems in terms of economic and social imbalances. In March 2013, the number of poor families is 28.07 millions with unemployment rate at 7.17 millions. “This means people prosperity and social justice are still serious problems for our nation. Some people have not yet enjoyed independence as aimed during the Proclamation. This would become a serious barrier when Indonesia is intending to become a high income country, not stuck in the middle income trap,” he said.
According to the Rector, Indonesia cannot only focus on economic development, nor security approach to create political stability. “But we have to learn the lesson from the independence spirit. We have to build an independent spirit that tries to increase strength, independence and sovereignty,” he explained.
After the 68th anniversary celebration, the Rector released the Bimasakti Formula Car team that will go to Japan for the Student Formula SAE Competition of Japan 2013 from 3 – 7 September 2013 in Shizuoka, competing with 78 other teams.