Saturday, 12 September 2026
BANDA ACEH | INDATANEWS.COM - The historical legacy of Admiral Malahayati is once again inspiring efforts to encourage young people in Aceh to pursue careers in the maritime sector and national defense. The spirit of the Acehnese warrior remains relevant in developing qualified human resources capable of contributing to the protection of Indonesia's maritime sovereignty.
Secretary-General of DPD IKAL Lemhannas Aceh, Dr. Yusri Kasim, said Aceh possesses both a significant historical heritage and a strategically important geographical position, providing a strong foundation for producing a generation committed to maritime affairs and national defense.According to Yusri, Aceh's position at the strategically important gateway to the Strait of Malacca, combined with its direct access to the Indian Ocean, gives the development of the maritime sector particular significance. The situation also provides young people in Aceh with an opportunity to play a greater role in protecting Indonesia's territorial waters.
"The sea is not merely a border line on a map. It is an identity. Malahayati's legacy teaches us that we come from a nation that was never afraid to face the waves or foreign powers. That spirit must not end up only in history books," Yusri told media representatives on Friday, September 11, 2026.He emphasized that this historical heritage is closely connected to the character of the Acehnese people, who have long maintained a strong relationship with the sea. The maritime tradition that has developed within the community represents an important asset in strengthening young people's awareness of the opportunities and challenges in the maritime sector.
Yusri also linked Malahayati's fighting spirit to the Indonesian Navy's motto, "Jalesveva Jayamahe," which can be understood as "On the sea, we are victorious." In his view, the motto is not merely an institutional identity but also highlights the importance of maritime strength in safeguarding Indonesia's sovereignty as an archipelagic nation.Aceh, Yusri continued, possesses numerous prerequisites for developing qualified human resources in the maritime sector. In addition to its strategic geographical position, the region has maritime traditions and a maritime culture that has developed over a long period.
This potential, he said, must be supported by systematic measures to provide young people with education, guidance, and opportunities to develop their skills in maritime affairs and national defense.
Yusri said Aceh's younger generation should not view Malahayati's struggle merely as a historical story. He encouraged young people to use the courage and steadfastness of the historical figure as motivation to pursue education, develop their skills, and dedicate themselves to the nation.
"Malahayati's story is not merely something to be proud of, but something to follow as an example. Now it is up to the sons and daughters of Aceh to stand on the decks of ships, protect sovereignty, and prove that the spirit of a strong seafaring people is still alive in this country," he said.He expressed hope that more sons and daughters of Aceh would pursue careers in the Indonesian Navy. The younger generation, he said, should not merely serve as ordinary members but should also achieve excellence and have the opportunity to hold strategic positions within the institution.
Yusri said this objective must go hand in hand with improving the quality of human resources. While their identity as sons and daughters of Aceh can serve as an important source of motivation, professional success must ultimately be based on each individual's capabilities and personal qualities.Therefore, he underscored the importance of competence, discipline, integrity, education, and achievement as essential prerequisites for young people seeking to serve the country through the Indonesian Navy or other maritime professions.
"This is not a dream. It is a goal that families, schools, communities, and the government must pursue together. We must prepare the best talents, give them opportunities, and support them wholeheartedly," said Yusri, who also serves as Executive Director of the Institute for Defense and Security Studies.
He believes the process should begin by instilling an awareness of the importance of the sea to Indonesia. The younger generation must understand that maritime areas are not only economically valuable but are also directly connected to defense, security, connectivity, and national sovereignty.Given Aceh's strategic geographical position, Yusri sees an opportunity to strengthen the region's role in developing maritime-oriented human resources. Early training and appropriate educational opportunities could open more avenues for Aceh's sons and daughters to pursue careers in the maritime sector and national defense.
The spirit of Admiral Malahayati, Yusri said, can serve as a starting point for strengthening this awareness. The courage of a historical figure should not be limited to memories of the past but can be transformed into a driving force for a new generation to achieve excellence and contribute to the protection of Indonesia.This momentum also carries the hope that the sea will not merely be viewed as part of Aceh's geographical territory, but as a strategic space requiring qualified human resources. Through competence, discipline, integrity, education, and achievement, Aceh's younger generation is expected to carry forward the maritime spirit inherited from those who came before them. (IDNC)
REPORTER: Adli Safwan | EDITOR: Fik Sagala
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