T

his nation just commemorated Youth Pledge Day. Eighty-four years ago on Oct. 28, the Indonesian Youth Congress proclaimed the Youth Pledge: one motherland, one nation and one language.

 In 1926, the first Indonesian Youth Congress, held in Batavia, (now Jakarta), resulted in no formal decisions but did promote the idea of a united Indonesia.

On Oct. 28, 1928, participants of the Indonesian Youth Congress for the first time heard Indonesia Raya, the future national anthem composed by Wage Rudolf Supratman. The congress closed with the reading of the Youth Pledge.

The pledge is evidence that on Oct. 28, 1928, Indonesia as a nation was built. Therefore, Indonesians should commemorate it as the anniversary of Indonesia. This was a result of the struggle of the people, who were oppressed for hundreds of years by the colonial ruler.

The downtrodden condition made young people united to foster Indonesian dignity and status. This commitment brought all potentialities to declare independence on Aug. 17, 1945.

The second Youth Congress attended by representatives of the regions named themselves Jong Java, Jong Ambon, Jong Celebes, Jong Batak, Jong Sumatranen Bond, Jong Islamieten Bond, Sekar Rukun, PPPI, Pemuda Kaum Betawi, etc.

Now after 84 years, what progress has there been? Regrettably, we have to say that we do not have so many tough young Indonesians these days. Many of them are involved in street violence, drugs, vandalism and criminal activities. From time to time, the discipline of youth worsens.

Meanwhile, elite politicians do not set good examples for the public. Many of them cannot solve the problems faced by the nation. They are even part of the problems. Just look at how many elites are now in prison for corruption. Scores of prominent figures have been pronounced guilty.

Many of our elites are ambitious, selfish and behave arrogantly to maintain their power. They do not think of people’s welfare as they only care about their own interests or that of their political parties. They tend to become political animals rather than statesmen.

Meanwhile, nearly half of the Indonesian population is living under the poverty level of the UN standard. This means that 120 million Indonesians still live in poverty according to the UN standard. This is an incredible number for a country so rich in natural resources.

In order to promote the spirit of the Youth Pledge, the government should introduce a comprehensive program on nation and character building. It is not enough to merely ask schools to run character programs when students can see the bad behavior of elite politicians on TV.

Therefore, as suggested by Bandura (1977) through social learning and Batson (2009) through empathy-induced altruism on the part of leaders (elites), the government should educate its elites through a special program to accommodate such a suggestion.

Aries Musnandar
Malang, East Java