EN
ID
ACTNews, BEKASI
– During the month of August which are often commemorated as the month of Indonesian
independence, Aksi Cepat Tanggap (ACT) and Masyarakat Relawan Indonesia (MRI)
volunteers visited in Bekasi to show respect and deliver food aid in the form
of Waqf Rice and Waqf Drinking Water. The food distribution to the veterans and
their families took place at Wisma Seroja, a building dedicated to the victims
and veterans of Operation Lotus, in Bekasi, Monday (8/16/2021).
Romidi (80), one
of the veterans, expressed his gratitude for the food packages. Other veterans
and he are very happy because there are still those who pay attention to
retired soldiers who fought for the country.
"We thank you
for your attention. It doesn’t matter for us what you gave us. We are grateful
for people who merely pay attention to us,” said Romidi to ACT Bekasi.
On that occasion,
Romidi also advised the younger generation to continue to maintain the
independence that has lasted 76 years. He did not deny that colonialism still
occurs today, albeit in a different form. The younger generation, he adds, must
be able to fight colonialism with science and education because one of the most
visible forms of colonialism is that of technology and culture.
Romidi took part
in Operation Lotus in 1976. With a background in Indonesian Special Forces, he
recounted that he had was shot in the leg and received no medical treatment for
one day during his duty in East Timor.
"Alhamdulillah,
I was alive after being shot on August 16 at 7 in the morning," Romidi
recalled.
ACT Bekasi Branch
Manager Rizky Renanda said the event was a form of appreciation and support for
the veterans who had defended Indonesia's independence.
“In addition to
remembering the veterans, this is another way for the younger generation to
appreciate the struggles of the veterans. Let’s pray may Allah grant them
health and protection," he said.[]
