Indonesian Youth Pledge Day, celebrated every Oct. 28, serves as a moment for reflection and a reminder of the spirit of the Youth Pledge 96 years ago to prevent further regression.
History has shown that the youth has always been a moral force capable of correcting setbacks, power abuses, decadence, and stagnation in national development’s social, economic, and political systems.
This was conveyed by the Secretary of UGM’s Council of Professors, Professor Wahyudi Kumorotomo, during a summary of the Pemikiran Bulaksumur Discussion themed Movement to Enlighten Lives: Commemorating Youth Pledge Day, held at the UGM Senate Hall on Monday (Oct. 28).
Professor Kumorotomo explained that the formulation of the Youth Pledge during the Youth Congress in Jakarta on Oct. 27-28, 1928, successfully unified the diverse ethnicities and cultures of the Indonesian people into one unity under the pledge.
The event, 17 years before the Proclamation of Independence in 1945, was a declaration of nationalism by youth from various ethnic groups, regions, interest groups, and religions.
According to Professor Kumorotomo, these youths declared their unity in one homeland, nation, and language—Indonesia.
This year’s Youth Pledge commemoration coincided with a national leadership transition, making it a moment to strengthen the youth’s spirit to contribute to national development.
“The nation’s struggle remains crucial, especially with the demographic dividend presenting an opportunity to become a developed country. Unfortunately, recent developments have been marked by declining democracy, weakening sovereignty, and the diminishing intelligence of society amid the transition to the digital era and growing global changes,” he said.
He emphasized that youth power was vital during the resistance against re-colonization in 1949, the reaffirmation of Pancasila as the state ideology in 1965, the Malari Incident in 1974, and the reform movement in 1998.
These events prove that youth have never stood idly by in efforts to shape the nation’s character and life.
“We hope that the youth will continue to have the strength to challenge any form of power abuse,” he explained.
Professor Kumorotomo emphasized that moral decline, democratic regression, environmental degradation, the exploitation of natural resources, rampant immorality, and the erosion of sanity due to intellectual stagnation must be addressed by developing an inclusive and dignified civic education system.
This would foster an intelligent society capable of addressing various challenges to become a sovereign, just, and prosperous nation.
Professor Kumorotomo encouraged university students to develop positive behavior and attitudes, avoid complaining easily, and not give up quickly.
“As young people, students need to keep an open mind towards all efforts to enhance professionalism, intellectuality, and a strong commitment to take over the leadership baton in the future,” he added.
The Pemikiran Bulaksumur featured speakers from various sectors. Dewa Ayu Made Diah Camalini, a student representative on the Board of Trustees, presented a topic on Youth Movements Pioneering the Enlightenment of Lives.
Professor M. Baiquni discussed The Concept of the Movement to Enlighten Lives. Professor Sulistiowati, Chair of UGM’s Academic Senate, elaborated on The Role of Campus Academic Order in Enlightening Lives.
Additionally, Ganjar Pranowo, Chair of Kagama, spoke on The Role of Alumni in Enlightening Lives, while UGM Rector Professor Ova Emilia and Vice-Rector for Student Affairs, Community Service, and Alumni Dr. Arie Sujito addressed Higher Education Leadership in Enlightening Lives.
Author: Agung Nugroho
Photographer: Donnie
Post-editor: Afif