Source: Untar Public Relations
Nearly a century ago, young people from different regions and backgrounds gathered with a shared aspiration: to build a united Indonesia. Through the Second Youth Congress on October 27–28, 1928, they made a pledge that would later become known as the Youth Pledge (Sumpah Pemuda). The pledge of one homeland, one nation, and one language became a significant milestone on Indonesia’s path to independence.
The spirit of unity championed by those young people remains relevant today, particularly in higher education. Campuses are not merely places to acquire knowledge but also spaces where students from diverse regions, cultures, and backgrounds come together. This diversity is an important asset for fostering unity, generating ideas, and encouraging cross-disciplinary collaboration.
The theme of the 2026 Youth Pledge, “Patriotic, Resilient, Empathetic: Youth for Indonesia”, underscores the important role of young people in addressing the nation’s challenges. Patriotism is expressed not only through love for the homeland but also through perseverance in creating meaningful work and concern for others.
The development of digital technology presents both new opportunities and challenges. Connectivity beyond geographical boundaries allows young people to exchange knowledge and build global networks. However, the rapid flow of information also brings risks of misinformation and polarization that can erode the spirit of unity.
In this context, higher education institutions play an important role in fostering critical thinking, openness, and the ability to work together amid differences. Campuses also provide spaces for young people to develop innovative ideas that can address various societal challenges.
As one of Indonesia’s major private higher education institutions, bringing together students from diverse regions and backgrounds, Untar seeks to uphold this spirit through academic exchanges, collaborations with educational institutions in Indonesia and abroad, and collaborative research. These activities provide students with opportunities to broaden their perspectives, develop innovations, and contribute to addressing societal challenges.
The annual commemoration of the Youth Pledge on October 28 serves as a reminder that unity must not simply be declared but put into practice through concrete actions. If young people in 1928 could unite their differences in pursuit of independence, today’s generation has a responsibility to preserve that unity, persevere in facing challenges, and bring about positive change that benefits society. (CJ/YS)