Sciences, technology, and economics are essential aspects to confront today’s challenges so that Soekarno’s statement that “We may not become a coolie in both our country and another country” will not occur. It has been 18 years of Indonesia’s reform, but this nation will be defeated by other countries if the Indonesian people do not prepare for challenges getting tighter and freer.
In a session of the 13th Nasyiatul Aisyiyah congress on Friday (26/8) at Sportorium pof Universitas Muhammadiyah Yogyakarta (UMY), People’s Consultative Assebly (MPR) Chairman, Dr. (HC) Zulkifli Hasan, S.E., M.M. presented four pillar of nationality, namely Pancasila, the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia (NKRI), Bhinneka Tunggal Ika (Unity in Diversity), and UUD 1945.
“As Muhammadiyah cadres, I advised you to learn sciences, technology, and economics because these aspects are significant. There is no shortcut to master these aspects so that you need to endeavor and to be persistent. We may not let this nation lost in competing with other countries,” he emphasized.
Besides, Desy Ratnasary, a member of Commission VIII of House of Representative (DPR) expressed, “I am happy to be here, among Nasyiatul Aisyiyah cadres. This congress shows that Nasyiatul Aisyiyah is able to accommodate needs of the cadres. I also perceive the atmosphere of Bhinneka Tunggal Ika in this place.”
“I believe that women are tough human beings. As a mother, women undertake never ending jobs such as taking care of their children and family and doing chores. I wish that this congress will bear strong women,” she inserted.
She also encouraged Nasyiatul Aisyiyah cadres to empower their children’s education. A mother’s roles should be supported by a father’s roles. “Both a mother and a father possess roles in children’s character building. Thus, let us invite our spouse to educate our children to reinforce parents’ roles,” she conveyed.
She expected that Nasyiatul Aisyiyah would also create cadres to engage in politics. “I hope that the congress tagline is not just a tagline, but it can turn a real action. Let show the existence of women, particularly in politics. I invite you to fill 30% of women’s quota in DPR of RI,” she ended.
