By: Prof. Dr. A.M. Hendropriyono, ST, SH, MH*
The book "From the Dream of Civilization to the Birth of a Conscious Nation" by Prof. Connie Rahakundini Bakrie is not just an academic work, but a strategic map for the future of Indonesia.
Amidst the dominance of narratives on development based on figures and physical infrastructure, Prof. Connie reminds us that the true strength of a nation lies in its collective consciousness—a consciousness born from the history, culture, and spirituality of the nation itself. As a formulator of the Philosophy of Intelligence, I see that this idea is in line with the basic principles of national strategy.
In the philosophy of intelligence, nation building is not only about speed (velox), but also about the accuracy of meaning (ontology exactus) and moral direction (moral-ethical). These three elements are reflected in the approach of this book, which raises development to not merely being an economic project, but as a civilizational movement.
Prof. Dr. Connie Rahakundini Bakrie offers a development paradigm that unites the soul and body of the nation. She rejects the dichotomy between spirituality and rationality, between culture and technology. This book teaches that the strength of a nation is not only measured by its GDP or military might, but by the integrity of identity and shared awareness as an independent people.
In an era of hybrid threats and information warfare, collective consciousness is the most durable non-physical defense system. Herein lies the importance of thinking like is offered in this book. She realizes that a nation that knows itself is not easily co-opted or divided by outside forces.
I warmly welcome this book as a strategic invitation to shift the development paradigm. Not to abandon economic progress, but to ensure that every step of progress remains rooted in the values, ethos and civilization of the people.
*The author is the initiator of the philosophy of intelligence and a national figure in the field of security and nationalism.