Hary Irmawan, President Director of PT DAHANA, led the 117th National Awakening Day (Harkitnas) Commemoration Ceremony on May 20, 2025, at the DAHANA Football Field in Subang, West Java. The theme for this year’s ceremony was “Rise Together to Create a Strong Indonesia.”
In his remarks, Mr Irmawan read a speech by the Minister of Communication and Digital, Meutya Viada Hafid, entitled “Towards a Humble, Partisan, and Sustainable National Awakening.” He emphasized that National Awakening Day is not merely a date on the calendar, but a time to reflect on the significant journey of the Indonesian nation.
“Revival is not a single event limited to one period. It is an ongoing endeavor. It requires us not to get caught up in the romanticism of the past but instead to have the courage to face the challenges of the present era, which includes technological disruption, geopolitical tensions, the global food crisis, and threats to our digital sovereignty,” Mr Irmawan stated, quoting the Minister of Communication and Digital.
National Awakening Day, celebrated every May 20, marks a crucial historical moment in the collective consciousness of the Indonesian people to rise from colonialism and is associated with the founding of Boedi Oetomo in 1908. This occasion symbolizes the spirit of unity, struggle, and the aspirations for independence based on a commitment to education, health, and culture. Today, this spirit remains relevant as Indonesia strives to become more advanced, sovereign, and competitive in the face of global challenges.
As a strategic State-Owned Enterprise (BUMN), PT DAHANA views National Awakening Day as an opportunity to reinforce its commitment to innovation, technological independence, and meaningful contributions to the nation. In the explosives industry, which is at the core of its business, DAHANA aims to lead the development of domestic products that support the mining, construction, quarrying, oil and gas, and military sectors.
Mr Irmawan expressed his hope that this year’s National Awakening Day would not only be a historical commemoration but also a catalyst for rekindling the spirit of hard work, solidarity, and nationalism within the company and the broader community. Aligned with the theme of Harkitnas 2025, DAHANA is prepared to collaborate with the nation to achieve industrial independence and technological advancement, contributing to a strong Indonesia.
On this 117th National Awakening Day, the government highlighted that the Asta Cita of the Red and White Cabinet will serve as the guiding principle for National Awakening. This encompasses the President’s eight major missions aimed at implementing meaningful changes in the lives of the people through established programs.
“Let us sustain this awakening with the same spirit as the roots of a tree that penetrate the ground. Slowly yet surely, not always visible but firmly supporting life. The most enduring awakening is one that grows slowly, rooted in human values, and bears fruit in justice and shared prosperity,” Mr Irmawan concluded.
