Relevance of Youth Pledge

KOMPAS/SOELASTRI SOEKIRNO

Students of the University of Tri Buana Kalabahi, Alor Island, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) have a light moment on Wednesday (16/10/2019).

The commemoration of Youth Pledge Day on 28 October 2019 has relevance in relation to the formation of the Indonesia Onward Cabinet.

After a heated election campaign season that saw violent behavior by the political elite and their supporters, President Joko Widodo gave a sign of reconciliation at the elite level. Inclusion in the Cabinet of presidential candidate Prabowo Subianto as the Defense Minister and Edhy Prabowo as the Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Minister, both from the Gerindra Party, is a bold political move even though it has risks.

Despite the absence of a comprehensive narrative on the formation of the Indonesia Onward Cabinet, an indication of the importance of national unity can be seen. Reconciliation among the elite is vital. President Jokowi and Vice President Ma\'ruf Amin have strived to accommodate various representative groups and regions as their aides in government, regardless of claims that the move smacks of transactional democracy.

Indonesia was built not by one group, but by many. Indonesian nationalism must be increasingly strengthened along with the inclusion of Indonesia in Industry 4.0.

The importance of national unity, in accordance with the pledge of young people on 28 October1928, should have been stressed by the political elite, including by President Jokowi. Protecting our Indonesianness is vital for this nation after the divisions caused by the election. Indonesia is a plural nation. Indonesia was built not by one group, but by many. Indonesian nationalism must be increasingly strengthened along with the inclusion of Indonesia in Industry 4.0.

Kompas

Pembangunan Jaya School 2 students take part in the Youth Pledge Day ceremony by wearing traditional Indonesian clothing in Sidoarjo, East Java, on Monday (28/10/2019). At this activity, the students were invited to support the country’s independence while maintaining diversity.

We quote again the words of independence proclaimer Mohammad Hatta. As one of the founders of the nation, Hatta frequently said, "We are descendants of a large nation, whose history resounded in the past, and now we have to redeem it."

Hatta said in June 1945, "The first requirement to becoming an independent nation is the belief that we are a united nation, namely the Indonesian nation, which has the motherland of Indonesia. Eliminate all thoughts of belonging to a small group that has its own interests. The interests of all must be prioritized."

We hope that Education and Culture Minister Nadiem Makarim will be able to make the children of the nation strong, committed to the diversity of Indonesia, honest and free of corruption.

The digital revolution and the Palapa Ring can be used as instruments to strengthen our Indonesianness. An instrument to repair the Indonesian fabric torn apart by the behavior of the political elite during the election.

We hope that Education and Culture Minister Nadiem Makarim will be able to make the children of the nation strong, committed to the diversity of Indonesia, honest and free of corruption.

Read more : Nation’s Hopes Rest on Economy-Related Ministers

The development of Indonesian youth with an Indonesian character through education is work for this nation. The education sector has a big responsibility to mold the Indonesian people. A road map must be devised to welcome the 100th anniversary of the Republic on 17 August 2045.