Saturday, 31 October 2026
MEDAN | INDATANEWS.COM - North Sumatra Deputy Governor Surya has honoured seven youth organisations with the Anugerah Bakti Pemuda Inspiratif Sumatera Utara (North Sumatra Inspirational Youth Service Award). The awards were presented on Wednesday, 28 October 2026, during the provincial commemoration of the 98th anniversary of the Youth Pledge. The recognition acknowledges the organisations' commitment to regional development and strengthening social cohesion.
Surya presented the awards after leading the Youth Pledge anniversary ceremony at the parade ground of the North Sumatra Governor's Office at Jalan Diponegoro No. 30 in Medan. The seven recipients were the Scouts, the Al Washliyah Student Association, the Nahdlatul Ulama Student Association, the Muhammadiyah Youth Organisation, the Islamic Students Association, Pemuda Panca Marga and Purna Caraka Muda Indonesia.
The North Sumatra Provincial Government presented the awards in recognition of the organisations' commitment, participation and contributions to supporting various regional development programmes. These include efforts to implement the provincial government's vision and objectives for the 2025–2030 period.
The awards also highlight the importance of youth organisations as partners in regional development. Through social activities, educational initiatives, community service and youth empowerment, these organisations can drive positive change and raise awareness of societal challenges.
During the ceremony, Surya acted as the presiding official and read a speech on behalf of Indonesia's Minister of Youth and Sports, Erick Thohir. The speech recalled the historical significance of the Youth Pledge, established 98 years ago as a milestone in national unity amid Indonesia's diversity of ethnic groups, religions, languages and social backgrounds.
The spirit of unity must be kept alive through the character and concrete actions of succeeding generations, the minister's speech emphasised. Commemorating the Youth Pledge should not be limited to a ceremonial occasion. Instead, it should inspire young people to take responsibility, address development challenges and safeguard the country's unity.
"The spirit of unity must remain alive and be reflected in the character and concrete actions of succeeding generations," he said.
Erick stressed that Indonesia's progress depended not only on physical infrastructure, technological capabilities or economic prosperity. Sustainable progress also required high-quality human resources, strong character, patriotism, perseverance and concern for others.
This message underlines the importance of young people in shaping Indonesia's future. Amid social change and technological advancement, the younger generation must develop its abilities, preserve national values and apply its knowledge and skills for the benefit of society.
In his speech, the Minister of Youth and Sports highlighted three essential character traits that young people should develop: patriotism, perseverance and empathy. These values are important foundations for nurturing resilient, principled individuals who remain attentive to society's needs.
According to Erick, patriotism means more than simply taking pride in one's nation and country. It must be demonstrated through personal commitment and tangible actions for Indonesia's benefit. Young people can put this value into practice by contributing their abilities, promoting social cohesion and helping solve problems in their communities.
Perseverance is equally important in overcoming challenges. The younger generation must develop determination, refuse to be discouraged by difficulties and learn to rise again after setbacks. This attitude is essential for continuous learning, adapting to change and making valuable contributions to society.
Empathy, meanwhile, enables young people to understand the difficulties faced by others and support those in need. This value strengthens social responsibility and demonstrates that progress should not be measured solely by individual achievements, but also by collective well-being.
"Patriotism must be expressed through commitment and concrete actions for the people and the nation. Perseverance means continuing to fight in the face of difficulties and rising again after setbacks. Empathy, meanwhile, provides the foundation for understanding other people's struggles and helping those who need support," he explained.
The minister also urged Indonesian young people to pursue ambitious goals, work hard and build strong character without losing their humanity and compassion. He encouraged them to be courageous in taking on leadership responsibilities while remaining willing to serve others. Knowledge, creativity and a willingness to make personal sacrifices should demonstrate their love for Indonesia.
"The future of the nation is not merely something we will encounter one day. The future is something we build together," he said.
This message highlights how the country's future depends on the decisions and actions young people take today. Their participation in national development must therefore go hand in hand with character building, social responsibility and a stronger sense of national belonging.
The provincial commemoration of the 98th anniversary of the Youth Pledge took place in a solemn atmosphere. Attendees included representatives of the North Sumatra Regional Leadership Coordination Forum, Acting Provincial Secretary Timur Tumanggor, heads of regional agencies, Scouts, community organisations, youth associations and students.
Traditional attire worn by numerous officials and heads of regional agencies was a defining feature of this year's celebration. Participants showcased traditional clothing representing various ethnic communities, including Malay, Karo, South Tapanuli, Nias, Batak and Javanese communities.
The diversity of traditional clothing reflected North Sumatra's rich cultural heritage while demonstrating that different backgrounds need not prevent people from living together in harmony. Cultural diversity is part of the region's identity and must be preserved through mutual respect and a shared commitment to unity.
This message is particularly relevant to the younger generation amid differing perspectives and accelerating social change. Young people can help create spaces for dialogue, prevent discriminatory behaviour and promote activities that strengthen cohesion between different social groups.
The ceremony concluded with participants singing the songs "Bangun Pemudi Pemuda" and "Satu Nusa Satu Bangsa", followed by a joint prayer. The closing activities reaffirmed the central message of the Youth Pledge: preserving national unity and shaping Indonesia's future through concrete collective action.
The presentation of the Anugerah Bakti Pemuda Inspiratif Sumatera Utara to seven youth organisations formed part of broader efforts to recognise young people's contributions to regional development. The awards also serve as a reminder that the spirit of the Youth Pledge must be translated into practice through sustained commitment, perseverance and social responsibility. (IDNC)
REPORTER: Ahmad Zulfikar | EDITOR: Fik Sagala
