In commemoration of National Awakening Day, which falls on May 20, several Indonesian Public Relations (PR) communities initiated the action "Letter for Mother Earth, Hopes for Indonesia" at the East Parking Area of Senayan, Jakarta on Sunday, May 21, 2017.
The PR communities involved in the initiative included the Public Relations Coordination Agency (Bakohumas), Indonesian Public Relations Association (Perhumas), State-Owned Enterprises Public Relations Forum (FHBUMN), London School of Public Relations (LSPR), ASEAN Public Relations Network (APRN), Indonesian Public Relations Company Association (APPRI), Hotel PR Community (H3), and several other PR groups.
Teddy Purnama, the chair of the Indonesian Public Relations Community, explained the importance of reinforcing the spirit of diversity in Indonesia. Through this action, the Indonesian Public Relations Community hopes that the national motto "Bhinneka Tunggal Ika" (Unity in Diversity) will not just remain a slogan but will be embodied by all Indonesians in their daily lives.
"National Awakening Day is the right moment for public relations professionals to move and play a role in realizing an advanced, prosperous, and harmonious Indonesia amidst its diversity," said Prita Kemal Gani, President of APRN and Director of LSPR.
"The spirit of national awakening should be used as momentum to unite our people, strengthening national unity to build a better Indonesia. We must work hand in hand and collaborate toward a prosperous and peaceful Indonesian society," she added.
Prita continued, highlighting that as a form of care for the country and the nation, this action is seen as important in boosting the spirit of togetherness, unity, and the role of PR professionals as part of the Indonesian nation.
"This action will serve as an 'advertisement' to create peace in Indonesia and unite all PR organizations across the country," she explained.
Ahmad Reza, Chairperson of the Forum Humas BUMN, emphasized that National Awakening Day should be commemorated by all elements of society and professions to build collective awareness in combating poverty, social inequality, and corruption.
"The awakening of the Indonesian nation is no longer about life or death in fighting colonization, but it is about campaigning for a shared task to contribute to the welfare of the people," Reza said. According to him, National Awakening Day should also signify a renewed spirit for the nation to excel in global competition.
Meanwhile, Agung Laksamana, Chairman of Perhumas, stated that the action organized by the PR communities was expected to remind everyone of the importance of preserving the nation's foundation. "In this diversity, we are all PR professionals for Indonesia. Our spirit is the same — to always unite under the red and white flag and spread the good news about Indonesia."
"We hope this action can inspire and raise awareness among the public to take on the role of PR professionals by sharing positive messages about Indonesia with all levels of society," Agung said.
The event took place on May 21, beginning at 6:30 AM until 9:00 AM at the East Parking Area of Senayan, Jakarta. The event started with the presentation of hopes for Mother Earth from the heads of the PR communities present. Afterward, participants were invited to write their messages and hopes for Indonesia on postcards, which were then affixed to a map of Indonesia.
These postcards will later be sent through Pos Indonesia to President Joko Widodo, as a demonstration of PR professionals' concern for Indonesia. The event was attended by Director General of Public Communication and Information from the Ministry of Communication and Information Niken Widiastuti, heads of the Indonesian Public Relations Communities, PR professionals from ministries, state-owned enterprises, and private sectors, communication students from various universities, and top Indonesian celebrities. The event was also fully supported by LKBN Antara and PR Indonesia Magazine. (*)
Source: Committee of the ‘Letter for Mother Earth, Hopes for Indonesia’ Action by Indonesian Public Relations Communities.