In the past, we were illiterate. Today, the world (has a) digital (form), that if we do not adapt to, will blind us
Jakarta (ANTARA) – State-Owned Enterprises Minister Erick Thohir believes a lot can be learnt from the matter contained in several archives and presidential cars exhibited by the Presidential Palace at Sarinah shopping center, Jakarta, that still held relevance.
Thohir delivered the statement after opening and reviewing the exhibition that was hosted to celebrate the 77th Independence Day along with State Secretary Minister Pratikno in Sarinah here on Saturday.
“Mr President Soekarno encouraged the eradication of illiteracy. There are photos and witnesses. I think that (the desire) is still valid until today, wherein we are facing the digital era where again we have to migrate to a new world, being the digital world,” the minister remarked.
“In the past, we were illiterate. Today, the world (has a) digital (form), that if we do not adapt to, will blind us,” he added.
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The minister reminded that the digital era brought about massive changes in various sectors, including employment and opportunities to run a business.
“If we do not adapt as a nation, then we will eventually become a nation that is left behind,” he stated.
The minister cited another example of the photo archive and news coverage that reflected the founding fathers’ efforts to portray the true essence of Pancasila as the philosophy of Indonesia before the United Nations (UN) forum.
Thohir expressed pride over the fact that Indonesia, as a nation, could serve as a guiding beacon for the world in turning differences into equality and strength.
The minister said that the issue was still relatable to the current condition of the world wherein several countries still faced many problems caused by differences in any shape or form.
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“This includes big superpower countries like America (United States) that had been independent for hundreds of years, yet they face such issues constantly, which have been recurring for many years,” he pointed out.
“What does that mean? Our foundation as a nation is something that should not be questioned anymore. I believe it inspires other nations to learn from our nation’s history,” he affirmed.
The exhibition of presidential archives and cars in Sarinah will remain open to the public until August 31, as part of the series of month-long activities to mark Indonesia’s Independence Day.
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