Jakarta Culture and Tourism Division Deputy Governor, Marullah Matali encouraged state civil apparatuses (ASNs) to make the 74th National Defense Day, a momentum to increase awareness, enthusiasm and obligations in defending the nation and the sovereignty of the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia (NKRI).

We have to be at the forefront

According to him, the attitude of defending the country was not only limited to maintaining the good name and dignity of the nation, but also working and serving as well as possible.

"That's defending the country. Whenever the state needs something, it's not allowed or not. We have to be at the forefront," he expressed after serving as Inspector for the 74th National Defense Day Commemoration Ceremony at Monas, Monday (12/19).

He explained that defending the country is a joint effort conducted by all components of the nation with full awareness and responsibility and are willing to sacrifice in serving the nation.

He explained defending the country includes love for the motherland, awareness of the nation and state, loyalty to Pancasila as the state ideology, willingness to sacrifice for the nation. These values must continue to be implemented wherever they are.

"Defending the country is our obligation to protect the nation and state, the motherland in various ways. The spirit of defending the country and nationalism is not only in Jakarta, but everywhere it must be fostered," he explained.

He added that the Jakarta Provincial Government was committed to building superior, productive, innovative, and competitive human resources, as well as having an awareness of defending the country.

"It is important for us to continue to encourage all ASN ranks to defend the country in various ways," he closed.