TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The National Armed Forces (TNI) commander General Gatot Nurmantyo has underlined that Indonesia’s national motto Bhinneka Tunggal Ika (unity in diversity) is key to face global competition.
“To become a winner we have to hold the spirit of unity in diversity. Because it is the center of gravity,” Gatot said in a public lecture held at Indonesian Christian University (UKI) on Thursday, November 17, 2016.
Gatot said that Indonesia will fall into pieces if it fails to protect diversity. He therefore calls for people not to be easily provoked or devided.
He added that students play an important role in preserving Bhinneka Tunggal Ika. “The backbone of national unity are youths and students,” he said.
The general lecture of the TNI commander in UKI was held to commemorate the National Heroes Day. The commander said that he was pleased to be given the chance to give speech in several universities in Indonesia.
“I’m pleased that UKI, Trisakti and UI (the University of Indonesia) have asked me to give general lecture to commemorate the National Heroes Day,” Gatot said.
DENIS RIANTIZA | EZ