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here are many ways to observe Youth Pledge day. Some have opted to organize flag-hoisting ceremonies or charity events. But, these youngsters from Depok have pledged to dedicate their lives to campaign for a better future through music and education.

Formed by mostly local musicians and activists on Oct. 28, 2010, Simponi (Music Syndicate of Earth Dwellers) serves as a forum to communicate concerns.

They organize workshops and create songs that are then performed by a band that goes by the same name. Berkah Gamulya, one of the founders, says that the band will focus on encouraging the youth to stand out and improve their quality of lives.

“We all have our roles, no matter how small they are. We are fully aware that it is better to light a candle than to curse the darkness,” Berkah, who is also the band manager, said.

To date, Simponi is home to more than 40 musicians and activists.

Simponi’s first project was a road tour to schools to spread awareness about global warming. The Simponi band was also at hand to perform a mini-concert.

During their 82-day nonstop tour, Simponi visited with more than 7,000 students from 82 schools/universities and Islamic traditional boarding schools in Jakarta and surrounding cities. In fact, Simponi’s road tour was even given an Indonesian Record Museum (MURI) award.

“The award is merely a bonus. What’s more important to us is asking people to implement better values in life,” he said.

Simponi has been invited twice to South Korea to participate at environmental-themed music concerts there.

Upon completing the road tour, another project awaits. This time, the Indonesian Corruption Watch (ICW) and the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has asked Simponi to ride along in campaigning anti-corruption to schools. ICW and KPK are to prepare the workshops while Simponi organizes the concert.

Simponi has also collaborated with a Mizan publishing house to familiarize children songs. The fact is that children often sing songs meant for adults, which often contain explicit lyrics and it’s this fact that has motivated the publishing house to join Simponi’s movement.

When asked about the financing model, Berkah says that they would implement a self-financing model in the absence of sponsor or donor. He then cited that the first road tour, which is considered to be one of their big milestones, was actually the result of not only hard work, but also solidarity.

To finance the event, he continued, members of Simponi had to invest their own money.

When they later found that there weren’t enough funds, they invited everybody they knew in social media to contribute. Berkah recalled that the result wasn’t too bad and they finally had sufficient funds.

As for sponsors, he continues, Simponi tries to be extra careful so they don’t end up with the wrong partner. He then mentioned several foundations and companies (off the record) that have been blacklisted from Simponi’s list.

“Some people have contacted me, saying that they have connections to several foundations that will be more than willing to sponsor our future concerts. I have turned them down politely because I don’t want Simponi to be held hostage by those foundations that have bad public records,” Berkah said.

Earlier this year, Simponi saw the opportunity to go international. The band produced a song entitled “Vonis” (Verdict), produced an accompanying music video and submitted it to an international anti-corruption music competition.

“Vonis” is about corruption and how it has been eating this nation alive, and therefore something really extraordinary must be done to avoid the spreading of the “disease”.

Simponi used a great paradox in the music video, presenting facts between youngsters in a revolutionary-like era with figures such as Sukarno, Hatta and Syahrir, who fought for the good of their nation, and recent figures like Gayus H. Tambunan, Angelina Sondakh and Dhana Widyatmika, people who faced allegations of corruption.

“The credit goes to video director Dandhy Dwi Laksono from WatchdoC productions, who has made such an impressive video for free,” Berkah said.

The result is another glowing achievement-Simponi took second place at the “Fair Play” anti-corruption music concert that was held by the Global Youth Anti-Corruption Network.

The band managed to beat out 75 other songs submitted by 35 countries around the world. This November, Simponi has been invited to perform live during the 3rd Voice Against Corruption World Forum in Brazil.

Up till now, Berkah says that Simponi has been continuously receiving positive feedback from the people. On its Facebook and Twitter pages, it continually receives applause and support from those who share similar ideals.

“In fact, there is a teacher in Tangerang who told us on our Facebook page that her school has won an award for cleanliness and creating a healthy environment. She told us that our global warming concert has been so inspiring,” he said.

However, Berkah also acknowledges that part of the popularity they have gained is due to the role of young actor Rendi Ahmad, who joined the band as lead vocalist. Rendi also performs in the award-winning music video for “Vonis”.

Berkah sees it as mutually-benefitting relationship because thanks to Rendi they have been able to reach wider groups of people.

Rendi, who was cast in Riri Reza’s famous movie Sang Pemimpi (The Dreamer), says that he has decided to join the community simply because he cares about what is happening around him.

“I need to develop myself as a professional actor, singer and also as a person. This community is in-line with my goals. I am able to develop critical thoughts about what is happening in my surroundings,” he said.