Jakarta (ANTARA) - Youths have an important role as leverage for reviving the nation's economy from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, Youth Development Deputy at the Youth and Sports Ministry Asrorun Niam Sholeh has said.

“There is always optimism in the midst of nation’s downfall due to pandemic and the existence of youth plays an important role as leverage to revive,” Sholeh remarked at a webinar on 'Innovative and Creative Youth during and after COVID-19 Pandemic' here on Thursday.

Young people who think critically and are strong physically will become outstanding leverage in the current condition, according to the deputy.

“There are a lot of young people who are still doing silent operations in the community. They are very dedicated, their silence has become the leverage in there. We should be inspired, but we need to disseminate the information about something beneficial for others,” he said.

He made the statement on the 93rd anniversary of Youth Pledge Day and said that the youth movement has different challenges today when compared to when it was first launched.

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However, the spirit remains relevant since it is eternal, absolute, and universal, according to Sholeh.

“The youth at that time were facing the challenges to stay committed to unite despite the differences. That spirit is timeless,” he remarked.

Hence, Sholeh urged young people to revitalize the spirit of the pledge by bolstering togetherness amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Without togetherness, it will be difficult to handle the pandemic. For example, I am very concerned about following the health protocols, but my friend is not. So, my efforts will be useless,” he expounded.

The youths also play an important role as agents of change, therefore, their actions and leadership are necessitated in the community to help it recover from the current tough conditions, he added.

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Reporter: Juwita Trisna Rahayu
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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