Asta Cita and the National Spirit Post-Eid: Building a Clean Government

The moment of Eid al-Fitr is not only a religious celebration for Muslims but also a cultural milestone for the nation, symbolizing the return of individuals to purity, sincerity, and a spirit of strengthening brotherhood. In the context of national life, post-Ramadan Eid offers a collective reflection that is highly relevant to all segments of society, including the government.

In an atmosphere of mutual forgiveness and renewed intentions, the government of President Prabowo Subianto and Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka has reaffirmed its commitment through eight strategic missions known as Asta Cita, which serve as the foundation for realizing the grand vision of “Together Towards a Golden Indonesia 2045.” This vision aligns with the post-Eid spirit: strengthening moral values, fostering tolerance, and nurturing diversity for a cleaner and more advanced Indonesia.

Asta Cita is a strategic framework that embodies a transformative spirit to bring Indonesia to become a developed nation by the centenary of its independence. In the post-Eid atmosphere, when Indonesians from various ethnic and religious backgrounds meet and strengthen ties, the spirit of Bhinneka Tunggal Ika (Unity in Diversity) is very much alive and palpable.

This is a pivotal moment to reaffirm the nation’s collective commitment to inclusive, just, and Pancasila-rooted development. The government also places morality and integrity as the primary foundation in the implementation of Asta Cita, prioritizing political, legal, and bureaucratic reforms, as well as comprehensive corruption eradication.

In this context, the Eid spirit, which is filled with purity and self-renewal, becomes highly relevant for a government carrying the major agenda of national governance reforms. A clean government cannot be built solely through legal instruments and technocratic policies; it must also be supported by public ethics and strong moral commitments from leaders and state apparatus. The bureaucratic reform advocated in Asta Cita must focus on substance, namely the creation of civil servants who are service-oriented, free from conflicts of interest, and possess high integrity.

Here, the post-Eid moment offers a profound message: cleaning oneself from corrupt practices is a prerequisite for building a clean country. Therefore, Asta Cita is not merely a plan on paper but has already begun to be implemented by various ministries and institutions through strategic programs.

The government is striving to build a bureaucracy that is responsive to the needs of the people, a justice system that is fair and accessible to all, and a political system that is participatory and free from transactional politics. To achieve this, the values of tolerance and diversity post-Eid must be used as a guide in every public decision-making process.

Indonesia, as a plural country, requires policies that are not only administratively effective but also sensitive to social and cultural diversity. Therefore, the implementation of Asta Cita in the post-Eid atmosphere must also strengthen the narrative of national unity. The vision of a Golden Indonesia 2045 necessitates solid national solidarity. Development must not be fragmented by sectarian identities or narrow interests.

The government must also instill values of tolerance and coexistence in development planning, including in sectors such as education, health, the economy, and infrastructure. For instance, the empowerment of the people’s economy in various regions must consider local characteristics and social justice, not merely market logic. In this way, development becomes a tool to strengthen social cohesion and reduce regional disparities.

Thus, a grand vision cannot succeed without oversight and active community involvement. The Prabowo-Gibran government must build partnerships with the public through transparency, accountability, and involving civil society in policy evaluation. Asta Cita will lose its meaning if not implemented in a participatory and sustainable manner. The spirit of gotong royong (mutual cooperation), which was strengthened during Ramadan and Eid, must be brought into public policy spaces. The awareness that the country is built by and for the people is crucial to avoid alienation between rulers and society. Therefore, the involvement of local communities, NGOs, and religious leaders is essential for the success of the development agenda.

In the framework of geopolitics and increasingly complex global challenges, Indonesia is also called to play a role as a moral and diplomatic force in the region. The values of tolerance, purity, and respect for differences inherited from the Eid tradition can become Indonesia’s soft power in building peaceful and just international relations.

In the spirit of purity post-Ramadan, we are invited not only to demand change from the government but also from ourselves as citizens. Building Indonesia cannot only be done by the state; it must be a shared responsibility among all elements of the nation. By adhering to the noble values taught by traditions and religions, as well as the spirit of Bhinneka Tunggal Ika, Indonesia can step into a future that is more just, prosperous, and civilized.

Prof. Dr. Drs. Ermaya Suradinata, SH, MH, MS, was the Governor of Lemhannas RI (2001-2005).

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