Friday, 30 October 2026
DELI SERDANG | INDATANEWS.COM - Deli Serdang Deputy Regent Lom Lom Suwondo has urged young people to uphold the spirit of Indonesia's Youth Pledge through patriotism, perseverance and compassion for others. He delivered the message during a ceremony marking the 98th anniversary of the Indonesian Youth Pledge on Wednesday, 28 October 2026, at the square in front of the Deli Serdang Regency Administrative Centre.
During the ceremony, Lom Lom Suwondo read out a message from Indonesia's Minister of Youth and Sports, Erick Thohir, highlighting the importance of national unity and social responsibility in shaping the country's future.The Youth Pledge dates back to 28 October 1928, when young people from different regions affirmed their commitment to a united nation. Its values remain relevant today and should be reflected in the conduct, attitudes and contributions of younger generations.
In his message, Erick Thohir recalled how the historic pledge brought young people together across regional and social differences, strengthening their shared determination to build one nation: Indonesia.
He said unity remained essential to overcoming challenges and advancing national development. Amid technological change and global competition, Indonesia needed young people who were capable, resilient and willing to work together.The minister also stressed that national progress could not be measured solely by infrastructure, technological advancement or natural resources. The quality of human resources, strong character, patriotism and a sense of responsibility were equally important.
Young people could contribute to the country's development through everyday actions, whether within their families, at schools and universities, in the workplace or through community involvement.
Erick Thohir identified three key qualities that young people should develop: patriotism, perseverance and empathy.
Patriotism means demonstrating love for the country through meaningful contributions, responsible conduct and a commitment to preserving social unity. Perseverance enables young people to overcome setbacks, continue learning, develop their abilities and pursue their goals despite obstacles.Empathy, meanwhile, means recognising the difficulties faced by others and being willing to offer help when needed. Progress, the minister emphasised, must always go hand in hand with humanity and social responsibility.
In his message, he warned that patriotism without compassion would lose its meaning, perseverance without conscience would lose its direction, and progress without humanity would not constitute genuine progress.His remarks underscored the need for Indonesia to nurture a generation that is not only intelligent and competitive but also guided by integrity, social awareness and a strong sense of responsibility towards others.
Every piece of knowledge acquired, every achievement and every personal sacrifice should represent a tangible expression of love for Indonesia. Rather than simply observing change, young people should take an active role in building a better future.
Concluding his message, the minister congratulated Indonesians on the 98th anniversary of the Youth Pledge and called on all sections of society to nurture a generation characterised by patriotism, perseverance and compassion."The nation's future is not merely something we will encounter one day. It is something we build together," he said in his address.
The ceremony was also attended by representatives of the Deli Serdang Regional Leadership Coordination Forum, Asniar Lom Lom Suwondo, Adviser I to the Deli Serdang Family Welfare Movement (TP PKK), Deli Serdang Regency Secretary Dedy Maswardy, several administrative assistants and advisers, heads of regional government agencies and organisational units, representatives of community organisations, and other invited guests.Through the commemoration, the Deli Serdang Regency Government hopes to strengthen unity, national awareness and mutual assistance among young people. These values are expected to encourage them to participate actively in regional development and contribute to a progressive, competitive and just Indonesia.
The anniversary also served as a reminder that patriotism must be demonstrated in everyday life, from fostering peaceful coexistence and developing personal abilities to helping people in need. By embracing patriotism, perseverance and empathy, the younger generation can face future challenges without abandoning the principles of unity and humanity. (IDNC)REPORTER: Edi Saputra | EDITOR: Fik Sagala
