Quote by Goenawan Mohamad: “Democracy is a constant striving, not a destination. It demands vigilance and participation.”

This quote emphasizes that democracy is an ongoing process that requires continuous effort and active involvement from its citizens, rather than a fixed state that, once achieved, no longer needs attention. It calls for vigilance and civic engagement.

During Indonesia's Reformasi era, following the fall of Suharto's authoritarian regime, Mohamad was a vocal advocate for democratic transition. He stressed that a true democracy required ongoing commitment and active citizen participation to thrive and endure.

Indonesian poet, essayist, and intellectual, born in Batang in 1941 and the founder and longtime editor of the cultural magazine Tempo. One of the most important public intellectuals in modern Indonesia, his Catatan Pinggir columns and poetry combined aesthetic refinement with political courage.