Ibas Calls on Youth Organisations to Unite, Show Creativity and Actively Build the Nation
Young people must become a unifying force for the nation and serve as active and creative motors of social change. This message was conveyed by Deputy Chairman of the Indonesian People’s Consultative Assembly (MPR RI) Edhie Baskoro Yudhoyono (Ibas) during an audience with nationalist-Islamic youth organisations held as part of the Ramadan Recess Series on Strengthening the Nation, with the theme ‘United, Active, and Creative for the Nation’.
During the forum, Ibas stressed that differences in organisational background must not hinder youth unity. “We may belong to different organisations, represent different colours, and even hold different viewpoints. Yet our objective remains singular: a more advanced, secure, just, democratic, and prosperous Indonesia,” stated Ibas in a statement on Monday (2 March 2026).
According to Ibas, Indonesia’s demographic dividend represents a tremendous opportunity that can only succeed if young people prepare themselves with strong character, good literacy, and a spirit of cross-organisational collaboration. “Youth is both a blessing and a responsibility. We must not allow the demographic dividend to become a problem if young people are unprepared and lose their direction,” Ibas explained.
Ibas also highlighted the importance of using technology wisely in the rapidly evolving digital era. Technology should serve as a means to increase personal capacity rather than a space for spreading negative information or social conflict. “Use technology to learn, seek accurate information, and develop positive ideas. Technological proficiency must be balanced with morality and ethics,” stated the PhD graduate from IPB University. “Nations do not collapse because of external enemies, but because their youth lose direction. Character is a nation’s fortress,” he added.
As solutions, Ibas promoted four strategic steps for youth:
Strengthening digital, political, and civic literacy.
Building cross-organisational collaboration.
Prioritising concrete action, not merely discussion.
Maintaining dialogue and rejecting provocation.
During the meeting, Ibas also offered several joint programmes, including the Youth Movement for Constitutional Oversight, conducted through socialisation of the Four Pillars of MPR RI and campus discussions; and cross-organisational youth Ramadan social action called ‘Sharing Ramadan, Nation Cares’.
Additionally, Ibas proposed regular youth forums to oversee public policy and submit written recommendations to the House of Representatives and MPR. Finally, he proposed creative economy incubation for cadres to encourage youth economic independence.
Ibas also emphasised the importance of implementing Pancasila values through concrete action. “Pancasila is not a slogan, but action. The integrity of the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia is not a cry, but a commitment,” said Ibas. Concluding the meeting, Ibas called on all youth to use Ramadan as a momentum to strengthen faith whilst maintaining national unity. “Religion provides light. Nationalism provides direction. United in vision, active in action. Creative in solutions. We are not a generation of complacency. We are a generation of change,” he stated.
The meeting proceeded dynamically and filled with nationalist spirit, marking a joint effort by youth across organisations to remain united, move forward, and create tangible impact for the people and Indonesia.
During an open dialogue session, participants also presented aspirations and questions directly. Irfan from the Islamic Students Association of Nahdlatul Ulama (IPNU) Ngawi asked how young people could find the right role models to avoid losing direction in determining their path of struggle. In response, Ibas emphasised that no human figure is perfect, so young people must still make ethics and propriety their primary foundation. “No leader is without fault. Making someone a role model is good, but it must be accompanied by a critical attitude, upholding ethics, and adhering to correct rules and values,” said Ibas.
Another aspiration was presented by Irandi from IPNU Magetan, who highlighted the role of youth organisations in supporting and synergising local government policies to involve more local young people. According to Ibas, youth organisations must continue demonstrating tangible contributions to society. “Do not lose heart if you feel confined. Continue consistently carrying out impactful activities,” said Ibas. “When organisations present tangible benefits, society will see their contribution,” he added.
Ibas also encouraged young people not to stop at discussion alone, but to translate ideas into concrete action in their communities. “Young people often excel at ideas and discussion, but the challenge lies in execution. Combine ideas with real movement so change is truly felt,” stated Ibas. Ibas also called on all youth organisations to strengthen democratic dialogue spaces and maintain healthy competition without provocation or inter-group conflict. “We may compete, but must uphold sportsmanship. Do not tear each other down,” said the Vice Chairman of the KADIN Advisory Board. “This nation needs collaboration among its youth,” he added.
Through this forum, Ibas hoped that synergy between the state and young people would strengthen in building future leadership with integrity and competitiveness, capable of bringing Indonesia towards equitable progress.