Gotong Royong - A way of life that goes beyond tradition

„Gotong Royong builds the
strength of a nation. Together
we rise, divided we fall.“

– Sukarno –

Gotong means “to lift,” and royong means “together”—and that’s exactly what happens when Indonesians practise Gotong Royong.

Where Gotong Royong Comes From

Long before colonial powers stepped foot in Indonesia, Gotong Royong was how people survived.

Life wasn’t easy, and going it alone wasn’t an option. Communities gathered together to plant rice, harvest crops, or build homes. In Java, farmers didn’t just plow their fields, they shared them.

In Bali, temples weren’t just places to worship – they were built and maintained by everyone, together. When disaster hit, it was Gotong Royong that helped people rebuild. Back then, it wasn’t a choice, but it was how you made it through the day.

Gotong Royong Today

Fast-forward to today, and Indonesia’s cities might be booming, but Gotong Royong is alive and kicking.

When floods hit Jakarta, communities don’t wait for someone else to fix things – they show up for each other. In cities, people organise clean-ups not because they have to, but because they know it’s the only way to keep their neighbourhood going.

And now, Gotong Royong isn’t just happening in villages, it’s going digital.

Social media is the new gathering place, connecting people for disaster relief, community projects, and everything in between. Technology makes it easier to organise, but the heart of Gotong Royong stays the same: people helping people, no strings attached.

Gotong Royong in Today’s World

In a world that often feels more individualistic due to globalisation, the spirit of Gotong Royong has never been more important. It’s what keeps communities connected, strengthens the sense of belonging, and helps preserve the cultural values that bind us together.

When natural disasters hit, Gotong Royong becomes a powerful force for helping those in need. But it doesn’t stop there. Gotong Royong also plays a crucial role in addressing social challenges like poverty, unemployment, and inequality.

It’s not just about tradition! It’s about using collective strength to overcome the obstacles we face today.

Why Gotong Royong Matters More Than Ever

In a world that often feels like it’s moving too fast and pulling people apart, Gotong Royong is the glue that keeps communities together.

Sure, cities are growing, and life is getting busier, but that’s exactly why this spirit of togetherness is so important. It reminds us that no matter how hectic things get, we’re stronger when we lean on each other.

For younger generations, Gotong Royong isn’t just something their grandparents did – it’s a tool they’re using to solve today’s problems, like cleaning up the environment or fighting for social justice.

What the World Can Learn

Here’s the thing: Gotong Royong isn’t just for Indonesia. It’s a lesson the world needs.

Imagine if we took this spirit – this habit of stepping up, when things get thought – and applied it everywhere. In neighbourhoods, schools, workplaces.

It starts small: helping a neighbour, cleaning up a park or standing up for someone in need. These simple acts build a stronger, more compassionate world.

That’s what Gotong Royong is all about.

It’s a reminder that together, we’re stronger.

The world might change, but Gotong Royong stays, showing us that no matter where we are, the power of the community will always be greater than the individual.

It is about looking out for each other, and in today’s world, that’s a lesson we could all use.

“Gotong Royong is more than tradition – it’s the power of Unity in action”