Our founding father, Soekarno said that as a nation we should never forget about history. Do you agree with him? Why?
Why we must remember event in the past which didn’t relate to our life today? What the matter?
Then, i will give you two reason why we should never forget about history. First, there is a need to know when and why there were both prosperous and hard time that have occured in the past, so we can learn from it. Second, we should learn about past human behaviour that is significant to intellectual growth and development an individual as a nation. By studying event in the past, it will give us a better understanding of how it came to be. Take for example, the wealthy and powerful Majapahit Kingdom. People believed that Majapahit period as the golden age of Indonesian history. This story inspire me because i was impressed by the character of Gajah Mada.
Gajah Mada was a prime minister in Majapahit Kingdom. It was existed in eastern Java between 13th and 16th century. He was powerful military leader. But no one exactly knew where he came from so his origin remain unclear. But one thing for sure, he was born commoner, he rose to power on his intelligence, courage and loyalty to the King. After successfully save the life of King Jayanegara during Ra Kuti rebellion happened, it was the most dangerous rebellion of all. As reward, he was appointed as a prime minister. When he served as prime minister, he gave huge contribution to his country, Majapahit.
Being in high position as prime minister, actually he could enjoy his life in luxury but he choose the opposite. He prefered to life in suffering spirit because he believed that God would grant his prayer. Why he did that? He did it because he had a dream, a dream about his country became powerful and prosperous. Then to make his dream come true, he made a vision and delivered an oath, fenomenal one, called Sumpah Palapa. This oath was interpreted to mean that Gajah Mada would abstain from all earthly pleasure until he conquered the entire archipelago, known as Nusantara for Majapahit. Many people were doubtful of his oath but he didn’t care about what others would think about him. He kept pursuing his dream to unify Nusantara under the glory of Majapahit. One by one, small kingdom around agreed to unite with Majapahit. Within 28 years, he succeeded in spreading the power and influence of Majapahit throughout the archipelago. Together with king Hayam Wuruk, he took Majapahit to its peak of glory.
Gajah Mada was great figure. For me personally, his action at that time had affected my life today. His character made him as someone from zero to hero. Before i read the life story of Gajah Mada, i just living my daily life like average people. Just let it flow. Finish study, get a job, take vacation sometime, making family and live a happy life, that was my goal. Then i realized something, life isn’t that simple. I must find passion and purpose of my life. Now, i have it and make efforts to make it come true. Today, when i start to do something, i confirm myself will finish it well. i only did something that make me get closer to my dream. I made long term planing and check the progress regularly. It makes me more discipline so i didn’t waste my time. Adjusted to this modern world with technology, there is no reason for you not to build your own success.
History is important. It teaches us values. It helps young generation understand their culture, how their culture and country have evolved. It was recorded so we can understand change, success and failure. I can use knowledge from the past as power for making my golden age in the future. I hope too, all of you can build and find the golden age of yourself. Last question is, can we learn from history? The answer is yes, if you are willing to, but if you don’t sincerely seek to learn about history, you will learn nothing.
November 4, 2017
Qui Vivra Verra 