Every year on 17 August, people across Indonesia celebrate the nation’s Independence Day by splashing the colors red and white everywhere, remembering the heroes and heroines who fought hard for this freedom. But rather than just honoring their service, we feel the importance to show more representation of the new role models of our era, especially the few women who are pursuing their independence unapologetically. Through Makna Merdeka, we asked six inspirational Indonesian women about the true meaning of independence through their eyes, hoping more and more women will build the same sentiment to stand stronger for a better future.