DPR Speaker: Young People Must Be Heard More and Given Space to Drive Progress

Jakarta (ANTARA) – DPR Speaker Puan Maharani said, marking Youth Pledge Day 2026, that young people should be listened to more and given space to drive progress and determine the nation’s future.

She said young people should have the opportunity to explain the issues they face and put forward ideas, including the freedom to express themselves and voice their opinions through democratic channels.

“Listening to young people means making room for their experiences and ideas in determining Indonesia’s direction. We need to build relationships that allow them to ask questions, offer criticism and solutions, and find out what follow-up action is taken,” Puan said in Jakarta on Wednesday.

She also reminded young Indonesians not to forget humanitarian and national values, as they face complex challenges arising from technological disruption, social change and rapidly shifting economic pressures.

“These challenges should motivate Indonesia’s younger generation, not hold them back from making progress,” she said.

She said the theme of the 98th Youth Pledge Day commemoration, ‘Patriotic, Resilient, Empathetic: Youth for Indonesia’, called on young people to link their love of the country with dedication to their work and concern for others.

“Just as young people joined forces on 28 October 1928, rising above differences in origin, ethnicity and group, today we continue that spirit by working together, respecting differences and opening opportunities for all young people to progress,” she said.

She also expressed appreciation for young people contributing through education, employment, business, social activities, sport and scientific development. Every contribution, she said, mattered to society, including service in villages and areas far from the public eye.

“Among them are young people who study while working, launch businesses with limited resources, and help support their families,” she said.

Puan said the DPR would use its functions to champion policies that expand opportunities for the younger generation. The spirit of the Youth Pledge, she said, was a reminder that unity grows stronger when every citizen feels they have a place and an opportunity to contribute.

“Keep learning, creating and caring for others. Indonesia needs the abilities of its young people, and the country’s progress must open up a better future for every young person,” she said.