Remarks of President of the Republic of Indonesia during Commemoration of the 93rd Youth Pledge Day of 2021, 28 October 2021 at Bogor Presidential Palace, West Java Province
Bismillahirrahmanirrahim.
Assalamu’alaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh,
May peace be upon us all,
Om Swastiastu,
Namo Buddhaya,
Greetings of Virtue.
Honorable Speaker of the People’s Consultative Assembly of the Republic of Indonesia, Speaker of the House of Representatives of the Republic of Indonesia; and Speaker of the Regional Representative Council of the Republic of Indonesia;
Distinguished Ministers of the Indonesia Onward Cabinet, Chairpersons of State Institutions;
Distinguished Governors, Indonesian Youths;
Ladies and Gentlemen.
Ninety-three years ago, Indonesian youths took a pledge to become one Indonesia, not because of uniformity, but because of diversity. Not because of the same culture, but because of the same determination. Differences in ethnicities, languages, skin colors, and even religions are not hindrance to building one Indonesia.
Now Indonesia must be strong together to face a changing world, the times have changed from all analog to all digital. You, the youths were born, grown, and mature in the digital age. We, the previous generations, are migrants, digital migrants.
Now in the digital age, youths again play a central role. The youths are the biggest strength, the demographic bonus of the Indonesian people. The youths are the ones who have the courage to take risks and seize opportunities. The youths are the ones who invent new, innovative ways. Youths are leaders of change, leaders in the digital age. Age is not a limitation to stay young, age is not a limit, nor a guarantee. We have to stay young; the youths must continue to enrich themselves with the latest and newest. The older generation must continue to rejuvenate themselves, adopting new ways of thinking and working.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
The growth of successful start-ups to become global players, defeating old players is evidence of the strength of youths. The works of Indonesian youths’ musicians and artists who have a worldwide reputation are increasing. The great achievements of our youth athletes have made the nation proud.
It is time for the youths to become leaders to win the competition in the age of disruption. Leaders who master technology, not controlled by technology. Leaders who dare to take the initiative, but still remain humane. Leaders who want to continue to learn from anyone, about anything, and more importantly leaders who are ready to contribute to the progress of Indonesia.
I understand that not all Indonesian youths have the same opportunity to enjoy higher education, understand a world full of disruption and its dynamic, as well as understand the latest developments in science and technology. To that end, there must be other Indonesian youths, the ones who share their information to those who do not know, share their knowledge and skills to those who are not able, so that all Indonesian youths can contribute more to humanity and the progress of the nation. That is the essence of leadership.
Leadership is helping those who cannot become able and helping those who are able to become even more capable. Leadership is not a position, let alone a rank. Leadership is influence, leadership is inspiration, leadership is what makes a vision a reality.
That concludes my speech on this auspicious occasion.
Happy 93rd Indonesian Youth Pledge Day.
Let us unite, rise, and grow towards an advanced Indonesia.
I thank you.
Wassalamu’alaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh.
Om shanti shanti shanti om.
Namo Buddhaya. (GWH/MUR)