UPNVJ Public Relations – Veteran National Development University Jakarta (UPNVJ) held a flag ceremony to commemorate Heroes' Day 2026 at the UPNVJ Ceremony Field, Pondok Labu, South Jakarta, Tuesday (11/10/2026). The commemoration, which carried the theme "My Heroes are My Role Models, Moving Forward Together, Continuing the Struggle," became a momentum to strengthen the values of heroism, nationalism, and devotion within the university environment. The ceremony was attended by university and faculty leaders, lecturers, and educational staff as a form of respect for the heroes' struggle in defending Indonesia's independence.
The Vice Rector for Planning, Finance, and General Affairs of UPNVJ, Prof. Dr. Ir. Netti Herawati, M.Si., acted as the ceremony instructor and read out the message from the Minister of Social Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia in commemoration of Heroes' Day 2026.
In his address, the Minister of Social Affairs reminded that the commemoration of Heroes' Day is not merely a ceremonial activity to commemorate past struggles, but rather an opportunity to reflect on the responsibility of every citizen in continuing the ideals of independence.
The Battle of Surabaya on November 10, 1945, became a significant milestone in the Indonesian nation's struggle. The courage and sacrifice of the fighters in defending independence is a historical legacy that must be preserved and passed on to future generations.
The mandate also emphasized the importance of translating heroic values into concrete actions. Courage, unity, integrity, sincerity, and a willingness to prioritize the nation's interests are principles that remain relevant in facing the challenges of national development.
The spirit of struggle today is no longer limited to physical resistance, as was the case with our predecessors. Service through education, scientific development, public service, innovation, and community empowerment are part of efforts to continue the struggle in accordance with the needs of the times.
"The spirit of heroism must be realized through earnest work, sustainable development, education, community service, and efforts to provide a better and more dignified life for all people," reads the message in the 2026 Heroes' Day message.
Through this message, all elements of society are invited to take roles according to their respective abilities, professions, and responsibilities. Consistent contributions are considered a vital part of maintaining independence and driving national progress.
Instilling Heroic Values through Education and National Defense
During the ceremony, messages from the struggles of national heroes were read. These readings served as a reminder of the importance of maintaining unity, upholding integrity, and cultivating courage in facing the various challenges of national life.
For UPNVJ, which has an identity as a National Defense Campus, the commemoration of Heroes' Day has a strategic meaning in strengthening character education and national responsibility in the academic environment.
The value of heroism is not only understood as part of national history, but also as a foundation in forming a generation that has academic competence, social awareness, integrity, and an awareness to provide benefits to society.
Through the implementation of the Tri Dharma of Higher Education, UPNVJ has the opportunity to actualize this spirit of struggle. Quality education, research that addresses societal issues, and community service that has a real impact are all examples of higher education's contribution to national development.
The commemoration of Heroes' Day also serves as a reminder for lecturers and educational staff to continue improving the quality of service, maintaining professionalism, and building an educational environment oriented towards the public interest.
Meanwhile, for students as the nation's next generation, the exemplary behavior of heroes can be realized through seriousness in learning, developing achievements, caring for others, and involvement in various activities that provide benefits to society.
This spirit is in line with UPNVJ's commitment to integrating the values of National Defense into the implementation of higher education while strengthening the institution's contribution in producing superior and character-based human resources.
Through the 2026 Heroes' Day commemoration, UPNVJ emphasized the importance of embracing the values of struggle as a guiding principle in work, creativity, and service. Respect for the heroes' services must be demonstrated through ongoing contributions, not just annual commemorative activities.
In line with the spirit of "Transforming to Achieve Excellence", this commemoration serves as a reminder for all UPNVJ academics to continue improving the quality of education, strengthening integrity, and presenting works that are beneficial to society as a concrete manifestation of continuing the struggle of the heroes.