Nationalism in the Perspective of Indonesia's Young Generation:

Case Study on Bina Nusantara University Students of Alam Sutera

Campus

Petrus Hepi Witono

, Frederikus Fios

Character Building Development Center, Industrial Engineering Department, School of Indutrial Engineering, Bina

Nusantara University, Jakarta, Indonesia, 11480

Character Building Development Center, Computer Science Department, School of Computer Science, Bina Nusantara

University, Jakarta, Indonesia, 11480

Keywords: Nationalism, young generation.

Abstract: The discourse on nationalism is still interesting to discuss as it relates to the noble pride and dignity of the

nation that we must accept in the reality of life. The concept of nationalism requires every individual as a

citizen to have the attitude, perspective and firm belief in the future of young generation based on an

understanding of what happened in the past and the present. Nationalism gives a distinct identity. When the

younger generation does not care anymore about the future of the nation, the nation's nationalism is being

eroded. The attitude of nationalism will encourage an individual to have a patriotic attitude as an expression

of a high sense of love to his own homeland. The aim of this research is to know the quality of nationalism of

Indonesian young generation and to reflect its concrete impact on the commitment of every individual as a

young generation to live well as citizens of Indonesia. The research used qualitative method with interview

and open question to 10 young generations (student of Bina Nusantara University of Alam Sutera Campus)

as sample. The theoretical framework uses the thought of nationalism from Louis Snyder (1964). Data analysis

uses a philosophical-hermeneutic interpretation to build meaning from the research data obtained in the field.

1 INTRODUCTION

Discourse on nationalism in a country is always much

discussed because it is related to the identity, self-

identity, self-esteem and noble dignity of the nation

in a reality of life. Ideology of nationalism has

actually grown earlier in Central and Eastern Europe

(Rothi, Lyons, & Chryssochoou, 2005). Almost all

countries such as South Korea and North Korea

require their citizens to defend their country with

compulsory military training. The attitude of

nationalism forces one to have a persistent

perspective and belief in the future of his people

based on what happened in the past in the life of the

nation and the state. At a deeper stage, the attitude of

nationalism encourages one as a citizen to have a

patriotic attitude. The word patriotic is actually

derived from the Latin word patria which means

homeland. Many Indonesian nationalist movement

organizations grew up in pre-independence periods

such as Budi Utomo (1908), Sarekat Islam (1911),

Indische Partij (1912), Indonesian Association

(1925), and Partai Nasional Indonesia (1927). The

National Movement is a form of resistance against

colonizers that are exercised not by the use of armed

forces, but using organizations that operate in various

fields such as: Social, Cultural, Economic, and

Political Fields.

Is Nationalism now still urgent to be discussed in

the millenial generation era and the advancement of

information technology? The author focuses on the

way the younger generation of Indonesia reflects the

quality of nationalism in their perspective, their firm

beliefs and their commitment to the future of the

Indonesian nation.

2 METHOD

Research using qualitative methods especially

philosophical hermeneutics. According to Sugiyono

(2009), collection of qualitative research data

264

Witono, P. and Fios, F.

Nationalism in the Perspective of Indonesia’s Young Generation: Case Study on Bina Nusantara University Students of Alam Sutera Campus.

DOI: 10.5220/0010006200002917

In Proceedings of the 3rd International Conference on Social Sciences, Laws, Arts and Humanities (BINUS-JIC 2018), pages 264-268

ISBN: 978-989-758-515-9

conducted on natural conditions, sourced primary

data and data collection techniques more using in-

depth interviews. Researchers conducted in-depth

interviews repeatedly with each major subject of

research that is 10 students of Binus University Alam

Sutera randomly. This study focuses on the quality of

nationalism through the persistent perspectives and

beliefs of the younger generation. Researchers will

identify their perspectives and beliefs based on the

understanding of what happened in the past and the

present. After data collecting, data reduction process

and subsequent hermeneutic interpretation stage as an

analysis to find the fundamental truth meaning from

research object.

According to Prastowo (2012), the analysis of

qualitative data is an analysis process consisting of

three paths: data reduction, data presentation and

conclusion or verification. Prastowo (2012) said "the

presentation of data is a collection of information

arranged that the possibility of drawing conclusions

and taking action." Miles and Huberman said the

presentation of the data of most often used in

qualitative research with narrative text. According to

Sugiyono conclusion in qualitative research in the

form of causal, interactive, hypothesis or theory. In

conclusion, the researcher only summarizes the point.

Researcher use the credibility test as a way to

check the validity of the data. According to Prastowo

(2012) testing the credibility of the data can be done

in several techniques such as extension of

observation, increasing perseverance, discussion with

friends, member checks, to use reference materials.

3 LITERATURE REVIEW

For the mutual benefit and protection of Authors and

Publishers, it is necessary that Authors provide

formal written Consent to Publish and Transfer of

Consent ensures that the publisher has the Author’s

authorization to publish the Contribution.

Nationalism as a nationalism originally began to

develop in Western Europe around the middle of the

20th century (Goldberg, 1993). The development of

nationalism in mainland Western Europe was

originally characterized by the emergence of French

and British states as a constitutional state.

Nationalism then manifests into a political stream that

underlies the emergence of nationalist struggle in

Asian and African countries, including Indonesia.

Etymologically, Nationalism actually comes from the

English word nation which means nation. While isme

means ideology or principle of thinking. Thus,

nationalism is a view or ideology of a nation, a

political view or ideology that aims to create state

unity and sovereignty by promoting common identity

as an identical group (Prawironegoro, 2010).

Nationalism as a nationalism emerged as a reaction to

opposition to it as a form of colonialism and western

imperialism. Nationalism demands every individual

within a country to have confidence and strong belief

in the sovereignty of its dignity in the presence of

other nations. Big Indonesian Dictionary explains that

nationalism comes from the word "National" and

"ism", which is a nationalism that contains the

meaning of consciousness and the spirit of love of the

country. President Soekarno called nationalism a

pillar of the power of colonized peoples to gain

independence from colonial colonial domination to

find its autonomy.

According to Ernest (2005), national nationalism

is not always determined by race, religion, language,

state, civilization, or economic interests but based on

the glorious history, the heroes of the nation. This

shows Indonesian nationalism growing in various

organizations of national movement. It should be

remembered that the National Movement is a form of

love for the homeland and the resistance against the

colonialists that is carried out not by using armed

forces, but using organizations engaged in various

fields such as: Social, Cultural, Economic, and

Political Fields.

According to Soeseno (2010), nationalism is

divided into two based on self-identification. This

nationalism or sense of nationalism is distinguished

according to national level, first, ethnic nationalism

(Etnhic nastionalism), namely nationalism which is a

national bond built on the language, culture, and

blood of certain ethnic groups. Secondly, civic

nationalism is a nationality built on recognition and

loyalty to constitutional authority and political

framework within a country, in addition to the same

history as a nation-state and the use of the same

language by all groups of nations. This nationalism-

built bond is based on citizenship within a territorial

territory and the boundaries that apply to the nation-

state (Greenfeld, 1992).

According to the expert Louis Snyder,

nationalism is an understanding that places the

highest loyalty of a person to be submitted or devoted

to the nation and country (Snyder, 1964). Nationalism

is a powerful emotion that has dominated the minds

and political actions of most people since the French

Revolution. It is not a natural, but a historical

phenomenon, arising in response to certain political,

economic and social conditions. Louis Snyder

conceptualized nationalism as a group sentiment that

Nationalism in the Perspective of Indonesia’s Young Generation: Case Study on Bina Nusantara University Students of Alam Sutera Campus

265

lived together in a certain territory, using a single

language or dialect-related dialects that were

understood and felt in general, clinging to certain

religious beliefs, possessing institutions, traditions -

traditions and habits that grow in history, and

stimulate heroism's attitude to create a social

homogeneity.The authors conclude temporarily that

nationalism is in fact a belief and a view held by every

individual in a country to create a sense of unity and

unity.

4 RESULT AND DISCUSSION

4.1 Students Nationalism in the

Context of History

The quality of nationalism of the 10 students of

BinusAlamSutera is reflected from their perspective,

belief and commitment to the nation's future based on

what happened in the past. Louis Snyder states that

the attitude of nationalism is awakened because of the

attitude of holding fast to a belief, a tradition and a

habit that grows in history. Since the pledge of the

Youth Pledge of 1928, the nationalist awareness of

Indonesia's future has begun to grow and is no longer

based on religious, cultural and ethnic elements.

Historical results that evoke a sense of nationalism

one of them is the song.

According to Vania and Natasha Christin, the

nationalism song she remembered was "Tanah Airku"

by IbuSud. For Amalina, Muhammad, DoniNieco

and NawwarSafy who included the nationalist song is

Indonesia Raya which is always echoed during the

flag ceremony. For Marcello Dominic and

WisnuWijaya, the nationalist song that he always

remembered was Garuda Pancasila, because

according to them the title of the song already reflects

Indonesian peculiarities. Austin Limawan has a

different opinion. "In my opinion, the most authentic

is 'thank my teacher' because the teacher is the

pioneer of motor drive for the intelligence of the

nation. After all, the teacher is the most meritorious

person. "Francis Raymond said that Indonesia Raya

song is the most memorable nationalism song, but

then the coolest and most fascinating thing is"

Indonesia Pusaka ". Thus, the song that the students

said could encourage a sense of nationalism largely

dominated by Garuda Pancasila and Indonesia Raya

songs.

President Soekarno is an important part of

Indonesian history. He is the Proclaimer of Indonesia.

After the 1945 Proclamation, President Sukarno did

not stop voicing the spirit of national revival among

the younger generation. Some videos on Youtube

save traces of President Soekarno's smoldering

speech. "Yes, I've watched the video of Sukarno's

speech," said Vania, Amalina, Muhammad and

Francis Raymond who proudly once watched

President Soekarno's speech when reading the

contents of Pancasila in the US Congress on May 17,

1956. The event is considered a historic moment for

President Sukarno to introduce Pancasila in the

United States Congress. Meanwhile, the six other

students admitted to not knowing the movie was

uploaded on Youtube. Thus, a sense of nationalism

can be helped through the screening of national

archival videos.

4.2 Students Nationalism in the Present

Time and a Commitment to

Indonesia's Future

Nationalism's sense of the future of Indonesia needs

to continue to be built in the future by the young

generation itself, but of course nationalism in the past

will be very different today. The current attitude of

nationalism is transformed into another form and is

no longer addressed heroically against colonial

colonial powers. Relevant nationalism today is to fill

independence by means of self-development, as well

as building on the commitment and motto of life in

this ever-changing period. Vania notes that a sense of

nationalism will rise if the noble value of humanity is

upheld. In real life Vania provides a tangible

example, "It seems like many college kids have less

attitude. One more, I think the case yesterday, the

bombing case in Surabaya, I think not because of

religion, because religion never taught to kill, because

my friends are many Muslims and never taught so.

"Vania's future commitment is to build an attitude of

honesty.

Amalina gave this critical note, "When seen in the

2nd half, many children are less serious in college and

less appreciate the hard work of their parents."On the

other hand, Amalina also feels that the attitude of

intolerance lacks the attitude of Indonesian

nationalism. "If it is related to politics, I am

sometimes afraid to nyoblos. Yes, right! And I'm

afraid to tell my options to people around me. For

example: during the gubernatorial election, I am one

family side to another choice, and we are secretly. We

are sad to see a demo-demo so right. Because there

are groups who want to encourage the establishment

of an Islamic state, whereas our country is not an

Islamic country. I do not like to join political issues.

"The real commitment made by Amalina is the

constant awareness to do the best for society.

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Muhammad gave a critical note that the sense of

nationalism is less developed because of the attitude

of solidarity is lower than the attitude of seniority

among students. Commitment to nationalism

attitudes want to apply through the activities of 17

austration every year in the environment.

Marcelo Dominic says that the low value of

humanity and justice has eroded the nationalist sense.

He wants to build commitment by applying Pancasila

values in his personal life. Different from Austin

Limawan's critical note. He said, "The big concern I

feel is when the students do not appreciate the

lecturers in the classroom. At least do not skip or run

away when not like a lecturer. Please show respect to

your lecturer. Sometimes there are many children

who do not have a sense of initiative as a student.

Students end up repeating. In the end the blame is

again his lecturer. And college in binus not cheap.

Yesterday it was proven in one class, there was a

sister class student who provocated to skip class and

finally did skip. Students should be college students.

Oh yeah another one, in binus, whose name is

Majority over Minority feels in binus, this is not a

race issue, but a matter of preference. Which I like to

say, one truant, all ngikut. So do not nyalahin

Indonesia or the government, while some students

themselves do things like that. "Austin Limawan

explained that laziness is considered as a factor

causing low nationalist attitudes. The commitment he

wants to make is to try to practice the values of

Pancasila directly.

Francis Raymond argues that the attitude of

nationalism can be established by mutual respect for

the differences of religion and race, especially the

attitude of intolerance that can create division.

"Learning to be tolerant is very important," Francis

said. Learning from this, the commitment Francis

wanted to build was, "I give what I can do for others,

secondly I want to learn the history and details of

Pancasila." Vishnu Wijaya said, "In my opinion, the

precepts that need to be practiced first in binus is a

just and civilized humanity because this Binus

receives from anywhere Students. "Motto and

commitment to be lived is to learn respect toward

other people who are different religions. "Because

there is a motto you never walk alone", added Wisnu

Wijaya. Natasha Christin wants to be committed to

always be honest, responsible and whatever I am

doing right now, I do for God. "

NawwarSafy explained that the nationalist

attitude is reflected in the appreciation of the second

and third principles of Pancasila. "I think, the most

important is the Sila of humanity. Because if someone

has really understood about humanity. If we already

understand the value of humanity, human beings

should have understood the rights and obligations of

each individual. My concern is that Binus should pay

attention to those people who have such limitations

(deaf, speechless). Therefore, I really support

Indonesian Unity, because I am sure Binus hopes that

his students will be able to participate in society for

the unity of Indonesia, "said NawwarSafy. So the

commitment and the motto of life that he wants to

wake up is "if I do good to people, I'm sure that

kindness will turn to me."

DoniNieco writes, "If I personally choose the one

precept of the Godhead, since the Godhead in the first

place must have meant it among other precepts. In my

opinion, there is not one religion that teaches violence

and we are obedient to religion. So by studying the

true religion of the Godhead, we will know how to

respect people, and behave. And Pancasila's first

precepts are the most universal. So the most important

first Sila for Binus Alam Sutera is the Unity of

Indonesia, because I believe that Binus even though

international standard, but binus want his students to

be able to participate in society to build this country

better. "Indonesian nationalism with a very clear must

be built upon divine basis. However, on the contrary,

the sense of nationalism weakened because of the

attitude of radicalism and intolerance in society. If

intolerance occurs, then this nation must be broken so

as to remind itself of the events of 1998. DoniNieco

also convey his hope and commitment to the future of

Indonesia, "The government needs to find people who

can teach about Pancasila with more modern and

more advanced, even small children would be more

pleased. Right now I'm a DKV boy, by studying

seriously and hopefully nationalist, maybe I

graduated later I can advance the nation of Indonesia

through the education of animasi Indonesia. My

motto: Do good to others, then the good will turn to

you. And Do not easily ngejudge others because

others are unique."

5 CONCLUSIONS

Louis Snyder's expert shows that the attitude of

nationalism is awakened because of the adherence to

a belief, tradition, and habits that grow in history. The

emergence of national movements in Indonesian

history has had a positive impact on Indonesia's

future. From the study of 10 young university

students Binus University of Alam Suteracampus,

there were significant positive and optimistic results

that the quality of nationalism in the students'

perspective and belief based on the story of the past

Nationalism in the Perspective of Indonesia’s Young Generation: Case Study on Bina Nusantara University Students of Alam Sutera Campus

267

encouraged a real commitment to the future of the

Indonesian Nation. Starting from the story of

President Soekarno to nationalism songs such as

Indonesia Raya and Garuda Pancasila which

continues to be preserved from the past, still

encourage the students to express their personal

feelings of love to the homeland. The commitment of

the ten students directs most of their desire to bring

up virtue values such as: honesty, justice, and courage

to do good. Strengthening nationalism for young

people can guarantee sustainable development of the

Indonesian nation. Sustainable development will only

take place if the young generation has a good

nationalism paradigm. The young generation is an

important element that needs to be considered in the

aspect of their nationalism perspective to support the

sustainability of development of Indonesian nation.

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