Ibas Urges Student Organisations to Strengthen Unity and National Service
In his address, Ibas emphasised that the forum was not merely a discussion space but a collective awareness that Indonesia’s future rests with the younger generation. ‘Indonesia must not be divided by differences. We must be a strong nation not through uniformity, but by nurturing diversity,’ he stated on Tuesday (26 May 2026).
The event was attended by various student organisations across religions and ideologies, including HMI, GMNI, IMM, KMHDI, HIKMAHBUDHI, PMKRI, KAMMI, GMKI, and PMII. Accompanying the agenda were Anton Sukartono Suratto, Secretary of the Democratic Party faction in the MPR and Deputy Chairman of Commission I of the DPR, Sabam Sinaga, Head of Commission X, and Bramantyo Suwondo, a member of Commission X. The discussion took place on Sunday (24 May) at the MPR building in Jakarta.
Ibas noted that global challenges are increasingly complex, ranging from geopolitical conflicts, economic inequality, food and energy crises, to social polarisation due to uncontrolled information. Therefore, students and youth are expected to remain the nation’s moral force—critical, solution-oriented, and service-focused.
Citing Tan Malaka’s message that ‘idealism is the last luxury of youth,’ the Deputy Chairman of the Democratic Party stressed that the idealism of the younger generation fuels change and determines the nation’s future direction.
He pointed out that national history consistently records student and youth involvement in pivotal moments of Indonesia’s journey, from the National Awakening in 1908, the Youth Pledge in 1928, to the 1998 Reform.
‘Being critical is allowed, but it must be solution-oriented. Bravery is necessary, yet wisdom must prevail. Idealism is essential, but realism is equally important,’ he asserted to the participants.
He also urged student organisations to uphold national brotherhood, strengthen digital literacy, build inter-identity dialogue, and constructively oversee the constitution and government policies.
Graduating with a Bachelor of Commerce in Finance and E-Commerce from Curtin University, Perth, Australia, he stressed that current student movements must not merely be critical but also solution-driven and service-oriented towards society.
‘If it’s good, we support it; if lacking, we critique with solutions; if wrong, we fix it together,’ he said.
As tangible support for youth education, the Master of Science in International Political Economy graduate from Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, distributed dozens of scholarships to needy students. The aid aims to inspire students to continue their education, develop their capabilities, and contribute to the nation.
Meanwhile, attending students shared ideas and aspirations regarding the nation’s condition and future government direction. Susana, PMKRI Chairperson, highlighted the importance of equitable education and youth capacity development to ensure students from all regions have equal opportunities to advance and contribute. She also stressed the need for policies favouring small communities and youth.
On the other hand, Riyan representing IMM stated that democracy must be preserved through freedom of expression and healthy critical culture. He noted students’ moral duty to monitor government policies to ensure they remain pro-people and uphold social justice and humanity.
Discussion participants also hoped Indonesia would continue progressing towards prosperity without abandoning national values. They urged the government to reduce ineffective and wasteful policies while strengthening education, food security, and equitable public welfare.
Anton Sukartono Suratto highlighted the importance of balanced development across Indonesia in education, healthcare, and public facilities. He affirmed that he and fellow DPR representatives would continue pushing for tangible changes for public welfare.
Similarly, Sabam Sinaga and Bramantyo Suwondo praised students’ courage in openly voicing criticism and ideas, viewing them as vital democracy drivers and strategic government partners in ensuring national development remains pro-people.
Closing his speech, the Deputy Chairman of the KADIN Advisory Board, who is also a PhD candidate in Management and Business at IPB University, Bogor, Indonesia, urged all student elements to weave national unity harmoniously, turning differences into strengths to bolster Indonesia.
‘Let us make students the guardians of the nation’s future,’ he concluded.