Pengantar Bela Negara Bagi Mahasiswa UI--Prof. Dr. Ir. Budi Susilo Soepandji, DEA

Summary

In this lecture, Prof. Budi Susilo Soepandji discusses the concept of Bela Negara (State Defense) from both historical and contemporary perspectives. He emphasizes that defending the country is both a right and an obligation of every citizen, and can be achieved through civic education, military service, or contributions to society in various professions. Using historical examples, like Indonesia's resistance against Dutch military aggression, he highlights the spirit of national unity. Prof. Soepandji also explores how modern students, through discipline, responsibility, and positive actions, continue to embody the principles of Bela Negara in their daily lives.

Takeaways

• 😀 Bela Negara (State Defense) is both a right and an obligation of Indonesian citizens, as stated in the constitution.
• 😀 Universitas Indonesia students can participate in Bela Negara through courses like MPKT and community service aligned with their professions.
• 😀 Citizens can also contribute by taking basic military training or joining the Reserve Component of the Indonesian National Armed Forces.
• 😀 Other ways to contribute include maintaining sports achievements, taking part in diplomacy, making sacrifices, and aiding in natural disaster mitigation.
• 😀 Bela Negara Day is celebrated annually on December 19, commemorating the resistance against Dutch military aggression during the Indonesian National Revolution.
• 😀 The establishment of the Emergency Government of the Republic of Indonesia in 1948 and the leadership of General Sudirman in guerrilla warfare were pivotal in defending the nation's sovereignty.
• 😀 The Indonesian defense system, known as 'Pertahanan Rakyat Semesta' (Total Defense System), emphasizes a broad and inclusive approach to national defense.
• 😀 The spirit of Bela Negara should be instilled from an early age and practiced by all citizens, from children to the elderly, according to their profession.
• 😀 Students who demonstrate discipline, trustworthiness, respect for laws, and a willingness to help others contribute to Bela Negara.
• 😀 UI students who help others, follow regulations, and engage in positive behaviors are actively participating in the defense of the country.
• 😀 Graduates of UI can contribute to Bela Negara by creating job opportunities and developing science and technology to assist in addressing food and energy security challenges.

Q & A

What is the concept of 'Bela Negara' as described by Prof. Budi Susilo Soepandji?

Bela Negara, or State Defense, is the right and obligation of Indonesian citizens to defend the country. It encompasses various activities, including civic education, community service, military training, maintaining national achievements, and upholding national unity.

How can Indonesian citizens participate in 'Bela Negara' according to the professor?

Indonesian citizens can participate in Bela Negara through civic education, such as taking courses like MPKT, engaging in community service aligned with their professions, participating in basic military training, and joining the Reserve Component, among other activities.

What historical event inspired the commemoration of Bela Negara Day?

Bela Negara Day is celebrated annually on December 19, marking the day in 1948 when the Dutch attacked the capital of Indonesia in Yogyakarta and arrested President Soekarno and Vice President Mohammad Hatta, which was seen as military aggression against Indonesia.

What role did General Sudirman play in Indonesia's resistance during the Dutch military aggression?

General Sudirman, as the Commander-in-Chief of Indonesia's armed forces, led a guerrilla resistance against the Dutch military using unconventional warfare tactics with the support of the Indonesian people.

How did the resilience of the Indonesian people contribute to the country's independence?

Despite the overwhelming military disadvantage, Indonesia's resilience and the collective efforts of its people led to the eventual recognition of its sovereignty by the Netherlands on December 27, 1949.

What is Indonesia's defense system called and why?

Indonesia's defense system is called 'Pertahanan Rakyat Semesta' or the Total Defense System, which emphasizes the involvement of all components of the nation, including civilians, in defending the country, both through military and non-military means.

Why is it important to instill the spirit of Bela Negara from an early age?

Instilling the spirit of Bela Negara from an early age helps ensure that all generations—children, teenagers, youth, and adults—grow up with a sense of discipline, responsibility, and commitment to the nation's defense, which is crucial for maintaining national unity and sovereignty.

What are some practical examples of Bela Negara in the daily life of UI students?

UI students can practice Bela Negara by behaving in a disciplined manner, helping others, setting examples of kindness (e.g., assisting the elderly on public transport), and adhering to moral and legal standards. Even upholding the Nine Basic Values of UI contributes to the spirit of defending the country.

How can UI graduates contribute to Bela Negara after they finish their studies?

UI graduates contribute to Bela Negara by creating job opportunities, advancing science and technology, and supporting national initiatives such as food and energy security, thereby directly aiding the country's development and defense.

What geographical and environmental challenges does Indonesia face, which highlight the importance of Bela Negara?

Indonesia faces challenges due to its strategic location between oceans, its vulnerability to natural disasters like earthquakes, floods, and landslides, and the need to maintain national unity amidst its diverse population. These factors make national defense and solidarity even more critical.