Every August, independence is celebrated with great fanfare. Pennants are put up, 'seventeen-an' competitions are held, social media statuses turn red and white — all simultaneously, all uniformly. But amidst this festivity, there's a question worth pondering together: which independence are we truly celebrating?
For us, independence has never been as simple as freedom from colonialism. There's a much more personal and, in fact, harder-won independence: the freedom to be heard. To speak without first having to convince people that we deserve to speak. To have an opinion without first having to explain how we could know something despite not seeing it.
The voices of Kartuneters are often present, but rarely truly reach. Not because no one wants to listen, but because there isn't much space available for it — or even if there is, we ourselves are still hesitant to fill it.
That's where this idea emerged. Kartunet Merdeka Berkata, Merdeka Bersuara (Kartunet Free to Speak, Free to Voice) is not just a digital version of the 'seventeen-an' competition. It's a more personal invitation for every Kartuneter: create a video, speak your own words, and let them be heard by others — without intermediaries, without anyone's translation.
Why a video, and not writing as usual? Because there's something different when people hear someone's voice directly, rather than just reading their typed words. There's a unique courage required to record your own voice, listen to it back, and then decide: yes, this is what I want to convey, and it's okay if others hear it.
This is actually a small thing — just a 20 to 60-second video, just a few self-composed quotes. But it's precisely from small things like these that the habit of daring to appear and speak up slowly forms. Kartunet wants to be a community that is not just a place for learning and reading, but also a place where Kartuneters dare to voice themselves and listen to one another.
How to Participate?
No expensive equipment or high-level editing skills are needed. Just the intention to speak honestly, and understand the following terms:
Create a video containing your own quotes — you can use your own images, animations, or any visuals, as long as they are appropriate and not dark (blackscreen).
Video duration must be a minimum of 20 seconds and a maximum of 60 seconds.
Content must be free from profanity, insults, defamation, or hate speech in any form.
Add the @kartunetclub account as a collaborator on the post.
The video must be posted on Instagram.
Include the word "Kartunet" or "Kartuneters", as well as the word "Merdeka" (meaning 'Free' or 'Independent') in the video.
Include the tags #kartunet #karyaku #qoutes.
After posting, register via Avika — select Event menu number 12, then choose "Kartunet Merdeka Bersuara, Merdeka Berkata" (Kartunet Free to Voice, Free to Speak).
Include the link to your Instagram video post, and also list your Instagram username when registering.
Feel free to create as many videos as you like — submitting more than one is allowed, with a maximum of 2 videos per day.
Don't forget to follow @kartunetclub on Instagram!
The two videos with the most likes will receive a total appreciation of Rp 300,000. But more important than just the prize: a voice that dares to speak, and others listening to it.
When and Where to Register?
This activity runs from August 17 to 31, 2026. Full information and registration can be accessed via kartunet.com/avika, select the Event menu (No. 12), then look for "Kartunet Merdeka Bersuara, Merdeka Berkata".
Have questions or need assistance with registration? Kartuneters can contact Kartunet's liaison, Safira, at 0882-4786-9951.
Independence is not just celebrated. Sometimes, it needs to be spoken aloud with our own voices.
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