An interesting survey result was released by Kompas daily newspaper In its 25th October 2010 edition. The survey was conducted by the newspaper research and development Department showing 64,5 % of the respondent (aged 17-30 years old) perceives that the unity amongst Indonesian youth is diminishing. Amongst 64, 9% of the youth respondent thought that people In their age are contributing more often to the worsening situation of religious harmony within the country. These figures, however, convey a clear message to all of us that there is something wrong or in other words a serious problem is faced by the youth in our country. We began to wonder, if Indonesia tomorrow is in the hand of the Indonesian youth today, than what kind of tomorrow will it be? Can we still rely on the youth and put our trust in them? Let me just share with you that across the Nusantara, there are youth and children of this beloved nation working and struggling for the betterment of this country.
My engagement in two youth programs recently has given me much more confidence that indeed Indonesia is also moving on the right track towards better tomorrow. The first one is Indonesia Mengajar program, a young teacher movement that was initiated by Anies Baswedan has opened up my eyes. Anies, a rising inspiration and one of Indonesia’s prominent leader started the program with his foundation by inviting Indonesian youth, especially the fresh graduates to participate in a one year program to dedicate themselves as teachers in remote areas all over Indonesia. There were 1383 young people applying, selected into 160 areas and the final selection resulted in 51 selected participants. If we take a look at their profiles and backgrounds, some of us might wonder why? They are graduates with excellent marks, among the best students from their Universities. After interacting with them, suddenly we will easily discover that it is their great love to the country that moves them and even they themselves can’t resist the calling. Anies Baswedan used to say that, “heroes are still born in this country, and our mother is not yet stopping in delivering this kind of people”. If heroes in the past struggled for our independence, these young people are also struggling to fulfill the promise of the independence, to bring welfare to the nation through education. The true leaders on the make.
The second one is the Climate Smart Leaders Program. This program was initiated by Yayasan Pembangunan Berkelanjutan (YPB), it encourages and challenges young people across the nation to participate by doing small green projects in order to tackle the climate change. There were 24 finalists selected from 226 applicants. The finalist submitted their proposal and then given a three months time for their project implementation and the juror will see which ideas is workable and gives impact to the environment and the society. If we take a look closer at their project, we might think that what they are doing is something ordinary, but indeed in their own way they really try to contribute for the good cause of tackling the climate change. Again, we can only feel their passion by interacting and engaging with them and this is exactly what I felt when the finalists and winners of this program were awarded “Penghargaan Emil Salim Bagi Generasi Muda”. They are young, they could just make another choice but they choose to do something for the betterment of the environment and society.
I remember the spirit of togetherness that was brought the Jong Java, Jong Sumatra, Jong Borneo, Jong Celebes, Jong Ambon and some other youth organization together on October 28th, 1928 youth congress. Years before that Mohammad Hatta, commonly known as Bung Hatta together with his fellow Indonesian student in The Netherland struggled for Indonesia’s independence through Perhimpunan Indonesia (Indonesia Association). In his book Bung Hatta wrote “only in a united Indonesia, where all group differences have been set aside, can the colonial power be broken. Our joint aim, which is to free Indonesia, requires a conscious national mass action based on self-help” (Mohammad Hatta; Indonesian Patriot, 1981). Spirit that struggle for the ideal of Indonesia Independence from the Dutch colonization regardless of their ideology, political party and interest. This was the genuine initiative from the youth of the republic at that time, a historical milestone for us to remember and to make it as an important lesson learnt. History has shown us how Bung Hatta and Perhimpunan Indonesia did whatever it took to amplify their demands for free and independence Indonesia.
It is such a shame to see many youth organization nowadays no longer having the spirit of October 28 or what Perhimpunan Indonesia has done before. What we have now is many youth organization based upon primordial and religious backgrounds. Again, more youth initiatives are urgently needed. Indonesian Youth it’s time for you to speak up if you think that you are not yet heard, if your voices are often neglected. Because Indonesia tomorrow will be determined by what we are doing today.
*The writer is a leadership consultant with Daya Dimensi Indonesia and member of Indonesian Youth Parliament. The opinion expressed is his own.