Just Wave First (Not Just Run Away First)

Yuval Noah Harari, an Israeli historian and author of the best-selling book Sapiens (2011), writes that from a historical perspective, humans are hunters. This means that in order to meet their basic needs, humans must hunt. We imagine hunting to be a physically exhausting activity because, in addition to having to prepare the right tools, we also have to strategize, walk, run, and even jump to get our prey. Yuval even says that life as a hunter was actually more liberating for humans than life today, which is filled with technological automation.

This month, red and white flags are flying everywhere, meaning that we are in the month of independence for the Republic of Indonesia. Unlike when we were children and teenagers, we were always presented with stories of struggle, both in school classrooms and on TVRI, which was the only TV station at the time. What was interesting about these stories was the strategy of struggle called guerrilla warfare. A war strategy that relied on hit-and-run tactics, hiding in the mountains and then running, jumping, and attacking, where the physical strength of the infantry was the main focus. Meanwhile, on the other side, the Dutch forces, who had more advanced technology, pursued the fighters with Jeeps, tanks, and military motorcycles. In simple terms, it was guerrilla warfare against technological warfare. And the proclamation of independence on August 17 proved that the war was won by guerrilla warfare.

Guerrilla warfare is a war fought by hunters, where physical strength is the mainstay and movement is the foundation. A common depiction in films about the struggle for independence is that guerrilla fighters are physically better prepared, resistant to weather conditions, and mentally strong, while Dutch soldiers are always portrayed as physically weak, prone to drowsiness, and always appearing hesitant and fearful. This is the role of body movement and technology.

This year marks 80 years of Indonesian independence. Advances in science have proven that the basic nature of sapiens as hunters, with running and jumping as their basic movements, has an impact on physical strength, resistance to disease, delaying degeneration, and even building mental strength. However, our independence today is also marked by the discovery of powerful, fast, and automated technology that pampers humans. The hunter nature of sapiens seems to have been eroded by the instant and lazy “mager” (males gerak) virus. Today, we are faced with a sedentary lifestyle that encourages obesity, chronic diseases, and mental problems.

In this 80th anniversary of independence, let us revive our fundamental hunter spirit through regular, measured, and enjoyable physical activities such as fun runs, night runs, and healthy cycling, or through mass car-free day programs that should not be limited to once a week. A hunter who does not move is slowly killing himself. Let us raise our flag and move forward with courage and strength.

Whatever difficulties we face today, let us “raise the flag first” and not “run away first.” Independence.

By: Dr. M. Ali Imron, M.Fis (Vice Rector IV of UNISA Yogyakarta)