PORTALJABAR, BANDUNG CITY - Deputy Governor of West Java Erwan Setiawan emphasized that veterans are not only part of the history of the nation's struggle, but also have an important role in preserving and passing on the values of the struggle to the next generation.

This was conveyed by Erwan when he was the Inspector of the 2026 National Veterans Day Ceremony at the West Java Province Level at the West Parking Lot of Gedung Sate, Bandung City, Monday (31/8/2026).

"The values of patriotism, nationalism, courage, unity, willingness to sacrifice, perseverance, discipline, integrity, and love for the homeland are a moral legacy that must continue to be passed down to every generation of Indonesians," he said.

Erwan explained that the 2026 National Veterans Day commemoration carries the theme "Veterans Uphold the Values of Struggle, Inspiring a Progressive Indonesia." This theme, he said, demonstrates that the spirit of struggle knows no age limit.

"Age may grow old, but fighting spirit never knows a time limit. Veterans are not only historical actors, but also guardians of the noble values of the nation's struggle," he said.

Erwan also said that the progress of a nation is not only determined by physical development and technological advancement, but also by the strength of character rooted in the values of struggle.

"Indonesia is currently moving toward its grand ideal of becoming a developed, sovereign, just, and prosperous nation. This journey, of course, is not always easy," he said.

Furthermore, he stated that various global challenges, geopolitical dynamics, technological developments, and social change require strong national resilience. In such circumstances, the values of struggle inherited from veterans can serve as a moral compass for maintaining unity and strengthening national spirit.

Therefore, Erwan urged the public not to view veterans as merely a thing of the past. He considered their experience, exemplary behavior, and spirit of service to be valuable social capital for building Indonesia.

"Veterans are a living source of inspiration. Their experience, exemplary service, and spirit of service are invaluable social capital in building an increasingly advanced Indonesia," he said.

On that occasion, he hoped that the extended family of the Indonesian Veterans Legion would continue to maintain organizational solidarity, increase social awareness, be role models in their respective environments, and continue to contribute to national development according to their abilities.

According to Erwan, a veteran's service does not end after the armed struggle ends. This service continues through the inheritance of the spirit, spirit, and values of 1945, exemplary behavior, and community service.

"Let us make National Veterans Day a momentum to strengthen national unity, affirm the spirit of love for the homeland, and build optimism towards a more advanced, stronger, and dignified Indonesia," he concluded.

WEST JAVA PUBLIC RELATIONS
Head of the Communication and Information Service of West Java Province
Adi Komar