MEDAN | INDATANEWS.COM - Timur Tumanggor, Acting Regional Secretary of North Sumatra Province, has called on all sections of society to carry forward the aspirations of the nation's heroes through dedicated service and meaningful contributions in their respective fields. He stressed that the spirit of heroism should not simply be remembered during commemorative ceremonies but must be reflected in actions that benefit the nation and the country.
He delivered the message while leading the provincial-level National Heroes' Day memorial ceremony for 2026 at
Bukit Barisan Heroes' Cemetery on Jalan Sisingamangaraja, Medan, on Tuesday, 10 November 2026.
The ceremony was held in a solemn atmosphere and attended by representatives of the North Sumatra Regional Leadership Coordination Forum (Forkopimda). Participants gathered to honour the achievements and sacrifices of those who gave their lives for Indonesia's independence and future.
The proceedings began with a tribute to the souls of the fallen heroes, followed by a moment of silence in remembrance of their service and sacrifices. The solemn moment gave participants an opportunity not only to reflect on the struggles of previous generations but also to consider the responsibility of today's generation to preserve and build upon the country's independence.
Service as a Way to Continue the Struggle
In his address,
Timur Tumanggor emphasised that the national memorial ceremony carried a meaning far beyond a formal annual event. He described it as an expression of respect and gratitude from succeeding generations towards the elders, freedom fighters and national heroes who made tremendous sacrifices for Indonesia.
"This national memorial ceremony is an expression of our respect and gratitude to the elders, freedom fighters and national heroes. Our task today is to continue their aspirations through the best possible service in our respective fields," Timur Tumanggor said.
His message highlighted that the struggle to preserve and advance Indonesia did not end when the country secured its independence. Every generation has a responsibility to safeguard the achievements of those who came before them while responding to the challenges of its own time.
In modern society, this commitment can take many forms, including public administration, education, healthcare, economic development and community initiatives. Every profession and responsibility has a role to play in supporting progress at both regional and national levels.
For public officials, the spirit of heroism should be reflected in professional public services, integrity and a commitment to putting the interests of the community first. Members of the wider public can contribute by protecting national unity, strengthening social awareness, working productively and fostering harmony within their communities.
National Heroes' Day also serves as a reminder that courage, sincerity, unity and perseverance are among the most valuable legacies left by the country's heroes. These values provide an important foundation for addressing social and economic challenges, as well as the changes affecting the nation's development.
TIMUR TUMANGGOR URGES THE PUBLIC TO CARRY FORWARD THE LEGACY OF NATIONAL HEROES:
Timur Tumanggor stresses the importance of continuing the heroes' struggle through dedicated service and meaningful contributions in every field. (PHOTO: Fahmi Aulia)
Remembering Two Distinguished Military Figures
After leading the ceremony,
Timur Tumanggor and representatives of the North Sumatra Regional Leadership Coordination Forum continued the programme with visits and flower-laying tributes at several graves within
Bukit Barisan Heroes' Cemetery.
The first visit was to the grave of the late Major General M Dzali Yusuf, a 1972 graduate of the Military Academy who held several important positions during his career in the Indonesian Army.
In 1992, M Dzali Yusuf served as Deputy Assistant for Operations to the Chief of Staff of Military Regional Command I/Bukit Barisan. A decade later, in 2002, he took on another significant leadership role as Commander of Military Regional Command Iskandar Muda.
His extensive military career and service formed part of the country's efforts to safeguard national defence and security. M Dzali Yusuf died on 18 March 2022.
The delegation then continued to the grave of Colonel of Infantry Ndjajahi Pelawi. Born on 16 October 1918, he was a prominent figure who previously served as Head of the High Military Court of Regional Defence and Security Command I.
Ndjajahi Pelawi died on 23 May 2007. His record of service forms part of the historical development of Indonesia's military institutions and the nation's struggle.
The visits to both graves demonstrated that National Heroes' Day is not solely an occasion to remember those who fell in battle. It is also an opportunity to honour individuals who devoted their lives to the country through various duties and responsibilities.
TRIBUTE AND FLOWER-LAYING AT THE GRAVES OF MILITARY FIGURES: Timur Tumanggor and representatives of the North Sumatra Regional Leadership Coordination Forum pay their respects at the graves of Major General M Dzali Yusuf (Retired) and Colonel of Infantry Ndjajahi Pelawi. (PHOTO: Fahmi Aulia)
Heroes' Day Offers a Moment of Reflection for Future Generations
The national memorial programme concluded with prayers and the scattering of flowers at the graves of the heroes. The proceedings served as an expression of respect for their contributions, struggles and sacrifices for the nation and the state.
After all the activities had concluded,
Timur Tumanggor and the delegation from the Regional Leadership Coordination Forum departed from the ceremony venue.
The 2026 provincial-level National Heroes' Day commemoration in North Sumatra provided an opportunity to strengthen public awareness that independence must be sustained through meaningful work and practical contributions. The struggles of previous generations provide the foundation upon which today's generation can build a better society.
Timur's call for people to give their best service in their respective fields also underlined that national development is not solely the government's responsibility. Educational institutions, businesses, social organisations, communities and individuals all have opportunities to contribute.
In this way, the spirit of heroism can remain alive through everyday actions. Honouring the nation's heroes means more than visiting their graves or attending commemorative ceremonies. It also means protecting national unity, working responsibly and making meaningful contributions to the wider community.
This legacy is expected to inspire young people in North Sumatra to take an active role in regional and national development while carrying forward the aspirations of the country's heroes towards a more progressive, just and prosperous Indonesia.
(IDNC)REPORTER: Ahmad Zulfikar | EDITOR: Fik Sagala