Speech by the Honorary Consul
On the 64th Independence Day of Sierra Leone
Lapangan Banteng, Jakarta
Assalamu alaikum, Shalom, Bismillahirrahmanirraheem
“O mankind, indeed We have created you from male and female and made you peoples and tribes that you may know one another. Indeed, the most noble of you in the sight of Allah is the most righteous.”
— Surah Al-Hujurat, 49:13
Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen,
Today, we stand in the vibrant heart of Lapangan Banteng, a place steeped in history, to celebrate the 64th Independence Day of Sierra Leone—a nation forged in courage, united in purpose, and radiant with hope. As your Honorary Consul, I am deeply honored to share this moment with you. But let me confess something personal. Decades ago, as a young student, I walked these very streets, crossing this former bus terminal from my modest room in West Jakarta to my college. My pockets were light, but my dreams were boundless. Today, standing here with you, I see my journey mirrored in Sierra Leone’s own: a story of struggle, resilience, and triumph against the odds.
This celebration is no ordinary gathering. It is a sacred pause to honor the heroes who birthed a free Sierra Leone. Picture Sir Milton Margai and his comrades—ordinary men and women with extraordinary resolve. They faced the might of British colonial rule not with weapons, but with words sharper than swords, wisdom deeper than oceans, and a unity stronger than steel. On April 27, 1961, their dream became reality: Sierra Leone was free. Their victory reminds us that true power lies not in force, but in the unyielding spirit of a people bound by purpose.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Sierra Leone’s story does not stand alone—it echoes in the global anthem of liberation. Think of India, where Mahatma Gandhi’s nonviolent marches wove a nation’s resolve into a force that toppled an empire. Imagine Ghana, where Kwame Nkrumah’s vision ignited a spark that lit the fire of African independence. And here in Indonesia, recall the heroes of 1945, who, on this very soil, fought Dutch colonialism with courage and sacrifice to proclaim a free nation. These stories, like Sierra Leone’s, are threads in a universal tapestry of freedom—a reminder that liberty is not given; it is won.
But what does this mean for us today? Independence is not just a date on a calendar; it is a living promise. It is the promise of a Sierra Leone where every child can dream without limits, where justice flows like a river, and where unity binds us like the roots of a mighty baobab tree. Yet, promises demand action. Today, Sierra Leone faces challenges—poverty, education gaps, and the need for sustainable growth. These are not burdens; they are opportunities to honor our ancestors by building a future they could only imagine.
So, let me offer three practical ways we can carry their torch forward:
- Invest in Education: Knowledge is the key that unlocks potential. Support schools, mentor youth, or champion vocational training. A single scholarship can change a life; a thousand can transform a nation.
- Strengthen Unity: Our diversity—across tribes, faiths, and cultures—is our strength. Engage in dialogue, celebrate differences, and build bridges. A united Sierra Leone is an unstoppable Sierra Leone.
- Embrace Innovation: From agriculture to technology, innovation drives progress. Encourage entrepreneurs, adopt sustainable practices, and think boldly. The next great idea could come from anyone in this crowd.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Imagine Sierra Leone as a lighthouse, its beam cutting through the fog of doubt to guide the world toward hope. That is the future we can build—together. Let us rise, not just to celebrate, but to act. Let us carry the dreams of Sir Milton Margai, the resolve of Gandhi, the vision of Nkrumah, and the spirit of Indonesia’s heroes into every step we take.
As I stand here in Lapangan Banteng, where my own journey began, I am reminded of a simple truth: dreams, no matter how humble their origins, can change the world. So dream boldly, work tirelessly, and let us make Sierra Leone a beacon of peace, progress, and unity for generations to come.
Happy 64th Independence Day! May Sierra Leone shine ever brighter!
Walhamdulillahi rabbil alamin. Hallelujah.
Datuk Agung Sidayu
Honorary Consul of Sierra Leone
