Essay Contest Reveals Youth Concerns, Offers Adaptive Solutions

Sixteen students receiving the Djarum Beasiswa Plus scholarship, known as Beswan Djarum, presented their ideas confidently before three judges at the National Essay Contest Final in Grand Mercure, Badung, Bali, on Thursday and Friday. The judges were senior journalist and Narasi TV founder Najwa Shihab, IPB University Professor Ronny Rachman Noor, and Beswan Djarum 2005/2006 alumna and lawyer Gloria Tamba. Before the panel, the finalists not only exposed realities and problems but also competed in proposing solutions. A portrait of youth concerns was reflected in the current issues written in their essays. The theme of mental health was quite dominant, followed by digital literacy and the spread of disinformation, educational access gaps, environmental and waste management, community empowerment, and technology utilisation. This demonstrates the younger generation’s sensitivity in observing current social and national problems, as well as their effort to find ways to contribute through solutions. Najwa Shihab appreciated the quality of the finalists’ ideas. ‘I enjoyed your written works, I memorised who wrote what and from which university, I really read them. I appreciate that these writings offer something new from a different perspective and try to find solutions to existing problems. There are 16 finalists here selected from 533,’ she said. ‘From reading the essays, it is evident there is originality, intellectual courage, and the ability to think critically. All things needed these days for future leaders,’ she added. In line with this spirit, Professor Ronny Rachman Noor emphasised that the process of conveying ideas is no less important than the writing process itself. According to him, the presentation is a space for the finalists to test, sharpen, and develop ideas through constructive discussion. ‘This is not a thesis defence, so relax during your presentation. This activity is a forum for applying the ideas that have been written. This is a good opportunity for all of you. Consider this presentation session as a discussion with friends,’ he said. Meanwhile, Gloria Tamba assessed that the competition reminded her of the learning process she underwent as a Beswan Djarum scholar. She said the various training sessions, mentoring, and opportunities to sharpen critical thinking and writing skills have been provisions she continues to use to this day in her profession as an advocate. ‘What I received as a Beswan Djarum is very useful in the professional world. The Beswan Djarum title helped me in my career. Good luck competing, we can be proud that we are the chosen ones who became Beswan Djarum.’ Through the Djarum Beasiswa Plus Essay Contest, the Bakti Pendidikan Djarum Foundation affirms its commitment to cultivating a generation of young people with cognitive competitiveness, sensitivity to current issues, and leadership character, in line with the vision of a Golden Indonesia 2045.