Do Heroes Still Matter to the State? -By Tomy Michael

In an increasingly modern world, heroes often appear to have been reduced to ceremonial symbols. Their presence is usually recalled only when a nation encounters crises, during which their sacrifices become subjects of public discussion and reflection. Heroes are also commemorated on Independence Day and other historical occasions. At the same time, societies that are increasingly preoccupied with economic survival tend to view heroism in more personal terms, where an individual becomes a hero primarily for his or her own family. Although the 1945 Constitution of Indonesia does not explicitly regulate the concept of heroes, it embodies state objectives aimed at promoting the general welfare of society. Such constitutional aspirations are not confined to wartime circumstances but remain relevant in ordinary times. Welfare itself should not be understood solely in economic terms, as it also encompasses social, cultural, and moral dimensions of human life.

The values of heroism are transmitted through education, culture, and social responsibility. In contemporary society, anyone can become a hero, even though such contributions may not always receive public recognition. A judge who delivers decisions based on knowledge and wisdom may become a hero for those seeking justice, particularly when such decisions provide guidance for resolving future cases. Likewise, sanitation workers who maintain clean educational environments contribute significantly to the continuity of learning processes. Lecturers and researchers who dedicate themselves to education, scientific advancement, and community service also play a crucial role in shaping the intellectual development of a nation. Consequently, the traditional understanding of heroes has evolved into broader concepts, including constitutional heroes and digital heroes.

Heorism also serves an important function in strengthening legal norms. Law is not sustained solely through sanctions and coercive mechanisms but also through moral values that inspire voluntary obedience. Such moral foundations are often inherited from the examples set by previous generations of heroes. Collective memory regarding the origins of the state and the contributions of heroic figures therefore becomes an essential component of national identity. Without preserving these memories, nationalism risks losing its moral and historical foundations.

Nevertheless, contemporary society faces a different challenge. Public figures and celebrities increasingly dominate public imagination, gradually replacing the symbolic role traditionally occupied by national heroes. This phenomenon may weaken national consciousness, as societies become more familiar with entertainers and influencers than with those who contributed to the establishment and preservation of the state. For this reason, governments bear a continuing responsibility to ensure that the meaning of heroism remains relevant in everyday life. Such efforts should not impose a singular understanding of heroism, since the concept itself is inherently diverse and subject to individual interpretation.

Ultimately, heroes in the twenty-first century should be understood through a renewed perspective. They are not merely historical figures confined to the past but also represent sources of historical consciousness and defining characteristics of a nation. In this sense, heroes continue to perform an essential constitutional function, serving as moral references and providing a foundation for the transformation and continuity of the state.

Tomy Michael, lecturer in Faculty of law, Universitas 17 Agustus 1945 Surabaya – Indonesia.