What Is Nationalism?

By
Khaula Nur Aliya, 1506690441
Indonesia is the only country that has the biggest number of islands in the world.
Indonesia has various natural resources as well as traditional cultures. The local cultures can be
seen not only in urban areas but also in rural area and together as one becoming assets to
Indonesia. However, the differences of these cultures catalyze the arrogance of each area. Instead
of strengthen national unity, it separates the solidarity in the community. In reaction to the actual
condition that develops, this requires purity of the essence and the nature of nationalism in order
to build a spirit of youth nationalism back.
The question whether the nationalism is enough with only saying out load that we are the
origins of the nations or not should become more consideration. Some people might say that it is
because of their birth place. Nevertheless, I would argue that those things are not enough.
Feelings of nationalism should have further and deeper than that. Because a nationalist is people
who truly care with what happen to the country. They know how to put their position right. The
right nationalism is nationalism which have sense of belonging and sense of responsibility
towards the fate of his nation.
Indonesian nationalism is different from other country nationalism. It uses Pancasila as
the basis, spirit of mutual cooperation in the sense of family. Principles of Indonesian
nationalism based on the values of Pancasila is always for the Indonesian people to put unity,
interests and safety of the nation and country above personal or group interests; demonstrate selfsacrifice for the sake of the nation; proud as a nation of Indonesia and not feel inferior;
recognizes equality, equality of rights and obligations between fellow human beings and fellow
nations.
Understanding and the implementation of the nationalism values within youth are very
important. Failure of redefine nationalism values has caused the delayed born of future leader.
This era provides different challenges to youth generation than in 1928 or 1945. Before, youth
nationalism directed against colonialization, now nationalism lead the youth to have a proud and
defense his country with keep on studying and developing Indonesia to be better country.

Knowing the truth about what should have done to show nationalism and implementing it
are the job of every people who live in Indonesia, especially for youth as the next generation of
leader in this country. Thus, they could have the right sense of nationalism, moral attitude that
which is sublime as well as spirited patriotism. These will increase people well-being and
develop Indonesia to become a better nation.