KAGAMA (Gadjah Mada Alumni Association) Virtual collaborating with House of UGM Alumni succeeded to hold an event to commemorate the 89th Youth Pledge Day. There were three agendas in the commemoration being held by KAGAMA Virtual. Those agendas were National Short Story Writing Competition entitled I am Indonesia, Youth Pledge Commemorating Night, and KAGAMA Virtual Sharing. The Youth Pledge Commemorating Night was held in Balairung UGM on Friday (27/10) simultaneously with the announcement of the winners of Short Story Writing Competition and cultural orations by Prof. Dr. Djagal Wiseso Marseno, M.Agr. (Vice Rector of Education, Learning, and Student Affairs), Ganjar Pranowo (Chairman of KAGAMA), and Dr. Abdul Gaffar Karim.
Djagal in his speech said UGM has an intention to vocalize the values of nationalism through virtual media. If we do not make this move, the students will follow negative values that are not suitable with the values of nationalism. Djagal hopes KAGAMA Virtual can participate in spreading cultural values, Indonesian values, as well as Pancasila values towards all UGM students. “Therefore, the alumni and university are expected to collaborate in leading the young generation to a better direction,” said Djagal.
On the other hand, Gaffar said currently the spirit of consensus is declining. Gaffar recalled that the series of Youth Pledge events back to the old time was a moment of full series of consensus. He further said at that time the youth made a social deal which could develop Indonesia. According to Gaffar, the realization of the consensus was Pancasila. However, according to Gaffar, currently, Pancasila is only enacted as dogma rather than consensus.
“We have to learn about consensus and go back to Pancasila as the thinking methodology because Pancasila is compiled as an ideology to realize unity,” said Gaffar.
At the end of the event, Ganjar Pranowo delivered his speech, saying unity is the keyword to face challenges and make progress. He further said one of the challenges faced by the young generation is the fading national identity. According to Ganjar, the progress is supposed to happen in every sector, however, we should not lose our cultures. Ganjar said the spirit of young generation is essential for the advancement of civilization.
“It is impossible for us to be a developed nation without a progressive young generation yet having noble personality,” said Ganjar.