Homeland is one of the terms used by the Indonesian people to refer to the entire territory of Indonesia which consists of land and sea. The use of this one term is based on the concept of an archipelago insight which is formed from the condition of Indonesia as the largest archipelagic country in the world. This makes love of the motherland a sincere and sacred feeling for the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia. So, it is fitting for every citizen of Indonesia to apply an attitude of love for the motherland in everyday life.
But, what exactly is the meaning of love for the motherland? So, in this article, we will discuss more about the meaning of love for the motherland and examples in everyday life.
Understanding Love of the Motherland
The definition of love for the motherland is the feeling of the nation and also belonging to a certain territory. This feeling is manifested in an attitude of willingness to sacrifice to protect its territory from various kinds of disturbances and threats. The importance of this love for the motherland makes it a natural human trait or habit that is possessed from birth. According to the Big Indonesian Dictionary, love for the motherland is a feeling that arises from the heart of a citizen to serve, defend, care for, protect his homeland from various kinds of threats and disturbances.
Love for the motherland means defending against all kinds of disturbances and threats that come from anywhere. In addition, love for the motherland is also a sense of pride, belonging, respect, high loyalty, and also a sense of respect that is owned by each individual for the country where they live which can be reflected in the behavior of defending their homeland. Protecting and protecting the motherland, being willing to sacrifice for the common good, and loving and preserving the customs and culture one has are also included in the love of the motherland.
Oftentimes, love for the motherland is also known as nationalism. In simple terms, this nationalism is the notion of nationalism which is a person’s highest loyalty to his nation and homeland. Love for the motherland is essentially an integral part of every citizen. As the understanding of love for the motherland that has been explained earlier, this term is very synonymous with nationalism.
Meanwhile, love for the motherland is also a practice and manifestation of the precepts of Indonesian Unity which can be realized in everyday life, be it in the family, school or community. This awareness of loving the motherland is essentially devoted to the country and a willingness to sacrifice to defend the country. Therefore, a sense of love for the motherland needs to be cultivated in the soul of every individual from an early age who becomes a citizen of a state or nation so that the goal of living together can be achieved.
Love for the homeland is reflected in the behavior of defending the homeland, guarding and protecting the homeland, willing to sacrifice for the sake of the nation and the country, loving the customs or culture that exist in the country by preserving them.
Example of Attitude of the Motherland
Having a feeling of love for the motherland seems to have a positive effect on everyday life. In a study conducted by Debi Audina and colleagues from the Jakarta State University, said that a high sense of love for the motherland is associated with a better level of discipline. Certainly, this disciplined behavior is a very positive thing in life which is very good if you have had it since childhood.
To be able to show an attitude of love for the motherland, you can start from yourself. According to the Ministry of Religion and Polman’s website, some of the attitudes of love for the homeland that can be done include:
1. Study History
Studying the history of the struggles of the heroes of the freedom fighters and appreciating the services of the heroes of independence is a form of love for the motherland that we need to do. Knowing and understanding the various efforts made by the heroes in the past can increase feelings of emotion and also gratitude, because thanks to their services, now the Indonesian nation can be in a better condition and free from colonialism.
2. Conducting the Flag Ceremony
Respecting the flag ceremony and doing it sincerely is seen as one of the expressions of love for the homeland and the Indonesian people. Even though it sounds trivial, this activity is an attitude of love for the motherland. This proves that the community appreciates the services of the predecessor heroes who have been willing to sacrifice for the sake of achieving independence. Students can take part in the flag ceremony which is held at school every Monday morning. The public can also show love for the motherland by raising the red and white flag ahead of Indonesia’s independence day, which is every 17 August.
3. Bangaa uses local or domestic products
Until now, there are still many Indonesian people who prefer to use foreign products. Many of them are of the opinion that products originating from abroad have better quality than domestic products. In fact, there are many domestic products that are of high quality and have their own uniqueness. The Indonesian people should be able to show that Indonesia can also have high-quality products that are no less competitive than foreign products.
This attitude can certainly help producers to be able to introduce their products abroad. So that it can be purchased and used by citizens from other countries. That way, the Indonesian economy will also get better and the people will be more prosperous.
4. Maintaining Indonesia’s Good Name
For example, when abroad, obey all regulations that apply there. Don’t bring bad habits abroad because it can embarrass the Indonesian nation. This also applies in cyberspace. Try to always be wise in social media, don’t give comments that don’t reflect Indonesian culture on social media accounts belonging to foreigners.
5. Maintaining and Caring for Environmental Cleanliness
Even though it looks very simple, in reality environmental cleanliness is still very difficult to do. Especially for society in general. So, from now on, we must try to get used to always keeping the environment clean. Simply put, don’t litter. It should be understood that keeping the environment clean is not only the duty of the government, but also of us as good citizens.
6. Not Spreading Hate Speech
As a young generation born in the digital era as it is today, of course we are very familiar with the existence of the internet and cyberspace. However, the internet itself is like a double-edged sword. On the one hand, it can have a positive impact on the progress of the nation and the country. However, on the other hand it can also be disastrous if used in the wrong way. The internet can be a means to channel a sense of love for the homeland. For example, by not doing or spreading hate speech or fake news.
7. Obey the Traffic on the Streets
The awareness of motorists on the road to obey traffic is quite low. In order to get there faster, they are often selfish and choose to violate existing traffic. Even so, we are not too late to change ourselves for the better. There is still plenty of time for the younger generation to learn to obey traffic. For example, not running red lights, not using sidewalks for vehicles, and obeying other traffic rules.
8. Maintaining the Unity and Unity of the Indonesian State
The next example of love for the motherland is maintaining the unity and integrity of the Indonesian nation. Never forget the motto of Indonesia, Bhineka Tunggal Ika. The future of the Indonesian nation is in the hands of all of us. So, we must appreciate every difference that is around us and don’t let these differences divide us.
How to Instill a Sense of Love for the Motherland
Instilling a sense of love for the homeland can basically be done from an early age together with the family at home. Not only at home, the environment around to school also plays a role. If you want to try to instill a sense of love for your country from an early age, here are some tips you can do, including:
1. Become a Role Model
At the beginning of a child’s life, all forms of attitude and behavior are obtained from imitating the people around him. At that time, parents can start to instill a sense of love for the motherland by showing their children how valuable the culture and country we live on is. We can start by telling the stories of the struggle of the heroes in achieving Indonesian independence. Of course, in a language that is easy to understand.
2. Introducing the National Anthem
The next thing we can do is introduce the Indonesian national anthem. We can sing it together at home and tell the origins of the song was created. At school, generally children will be given an introduction to the national anthems that can be sung together with their friends.
3. Cultural Recreation
This is one of the fun activities that parents and children can do. Take the children to historical places that can educate children. In addition, parents can also spend quality time with their children which can add benefits. It is hoped that the existence of people who love their homeland can make the country free from various kinds of disturbances that may come, be it from within or outside the country. With a sense of love for the motherland within, every citizen can work hand in hand to build this country so that it can be on an equal footing with developed countries.
The Benefits of Having Love for the Motherland
Of course by implementing a sense of love for the motherland, it can provide benefits for oneself and the country. This attitude of love for the motherland has several benefits, including:
– Being someone who is not easy to be pitted against.
– Adding a sense of pride to the Indonesian nation.
– Generate love for one’s own country, so that they always try to protect the country from various forms of threats, disturbances, and also the challenges it faces.
– The creation of security and also peace in the community.
– Improving the economy, this is related to one of the attitudes of love for the motherland, namely being proud to use domestic products.
– More appreciate the services of the heroes.
– Fostering a spirit of nationalism.
This is an explanation of the meaning of love for the motherland and examples that we can apply in our daily lives.