SIMALUNGUN | INDATANEWS.COM - North Sumatra Deputy Governor Surya has called on the public to strengthen national unity and consistently put the values of Pancasila into practice in everyday life. He emphasized that the spirit of mutual cooperation, tolerance, justice, and solidarity are essential foundations for preserving the unity of the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia (NKRI).
Surya delivered the appeal on Thursday, October 1, 2026, while presiding over the 2026 Pancasila Sanctity Day commemoration ceremony at the Letda Sujono Monument in the historic Bandar Betsy area, Bandar Huluan District, Simalungun Regency.The commemoration at this historically significant site served not only as an opportunity to remember the country's long struggle for independence but also to strengthen the collective commitment of all elements of society to protecting and upholding the values of Pancasila. Through the event, the public was encouraged to better understand the importance of unity, national awareness, and appreciation for the sacrifices of the heroes who lost their lives defending the nation's fundamental values.
According to Surya, Pancasila must serve as a practical guideline for social interaction and for the life of the nation and state. Therefore, every citizen has a responsibility to translate its noble values into everyday attitudes and actions, whether within the family, the community, or the broader national environment."The spirit of mutual cooperation, unity, tolerance, justice, and solidarity is an essential part of safeguarding the unity of the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia," Surya said.
In his view, putting the values of Pancasila into practice requires the involvement of all segments of society. These values must be reflected in mutual respect, acceptance of differences, the preservation of social harmony, and the prioritization of collective interests over personal or group interests.Surya also stressed the need to further strengthen the spirit of mutual cooperation and social concern within the community. By making these values a priority, people can build harmonious relationships while reinforcing solidarity within Indonesia's diverse society.
He expressed hope that Pancasila Sanctity Day would not be observed merely as an annual commemorative event but would also have a tangible impact on strengthening national awareness and shaping the character of society in North Sumatra.
Furthermore, Surya described Pancasila Sanctity Day as an opportunity to further consolidate unity and solidarity among the people of North Sumatra. He said the history of Indonesia's struggle for independence must serve as a valuable lesson for all generations in facing various challenges in the future.
He recalled that Indonesia had gone through a long journey to defend its independence and preserve its territorial integrity and national unity. The sacrifices made by the freedom fighters should inspire future generations to keep the national spirit alive and strengthen their commitment to Pancasila."Through the Pancasila Sanctity Day commemoration, we strengthen the spirit of unity and solidarity among the people of North Sumatra while reaffirming Pancasila as the foundation of national and state life," he stated.
Surya also hoped the public would use the commemoration as an opportunity to continue maintaining social harmony and avoid behavior that could potentially threaten national unity. He further called on all segments of society to actively contribute to building a peaceful and just community based on mutual respect.According to him, social unity is an important foundation for supporting regional and national development. When people stand together and uphold the values of Pancasila, various development programs can be implemented with the support and participation of all elements of society.

During the event, Surya also presented gift packages and financial assistance to the family of the late Letda Sujono. The gesture reflected the government's sympathy and appreciation for the family of a hero who made significant sacrifices for the country.
After all the ceremonies and tributes had concluded, Surya joined thousands of Simalungun residents in watching a dramatic reenactment of the Bandar Betsy tragedy. The performance depicted the incident in which Letda Sujono lost his life during a conflict related to land at a state-owned plantation.The selection of Bandar Betsy as the venue for the Pancasila Sanctity Day commemoration carried particular historical significance. The area is closely associated with the struggle of Letda Sujono, who died during the events at the Bandar Betsy plantation in 1965.
By recalling these historical events, the public is expected to gain a deeper understanding of the important roles that unity, justice, and sacrifice have played throughout Indonesian history. The struggles of national heroes also serve as a reminder that preserving national unity requires a shared commitment and responsibility from every citizen.Thus, the Pancasila Sanctity Day commemoration in Bandar Betsy was not merely a ceremonial occasion but also an opportunity to instill the national spirit in future generations. Honoring the heroes must go hand in hand with concrete efforts to implement the values of Pancasila in everyday life.
The ceremony was also attended by members of the North Sumatra Provincial Legislative Council and the Simalungun Regional Legislative Council, representatives of the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) and the Indonesian National Police (Polri), state civil servants (ASN), community organizations, as well as school and university students.The participation of various segments of society in the commemoration highlighted the importance of collective efforts to preserve unity and strengthen national values. The spirit inspired by Pancasila Sanctity Day is expected to remain firmly rooted in the daily lives of North Sumatra's residents and contribute to safeguarding the unity of the Republic of Indonesia. (IDNC)
REPORTER: Ahmad Zulfikar | EDITOR: Fik Sagala