"Indonesia needs more game changers who are the initiators, and with all their abilities, are able to change the course of civilization, bringing out a new reality and awareness," she remarked at the 94th Youth Pledge Day commemoration ceremony at Reksogati Caruban Square, Madiun, on Friday.
According to her, change makers can make a decision when they encounter the “intersection between going forward and backward, between life and death, between dynamic or static,” meaning they are initiative, collaborative, and innovative.
The governor chose Madiun district as the central location for organizing the 2022 Youth Pledge Day because it is the birthplace of Prof. Mr. Sunario Sastrowardoyo, a historical youth figure who played an active role in two historic events, the 1925 Manifesto and the Second Youth Congress.
Sastrowardoyo, who was born in Madiun on August 28, 1902, was known to be active as a lawyer. He defended activists who encountered problems with the Dutch East Indies police.
Meanwhile, Parawansa said that the Youth Pledge Day commemoration must not become an annual routine. Instead, it must serve as a driver of a common spirit to move the wheels of the development struggle to achieve the common ideals for an advanced Indonesia.
The youths in the 1928 Youth Pledge moment were mostly part of the aristocratic or highly educated people, she said. It would not have been difficult for them to live a luxurious and comfortable life under the colonial government of the Dutch East Indies.
However, they left the luxuries of life to fight for Indonesian independence. They put down their own interests and strengthened their common will and determination to liberate Indonesia.
"Currently, what Indonesia and East Java need is youths who have character, capacity, innovation ability, high creativity, independence, inspiration, and ability to survive and excel in the face of world competition. Be an agent of change, not a lazy young person," she remarked.
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Translator: Louis S, Kenzu
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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