IKPPI hosts Gema Pemuda 2026 to revive spirit of 1926 First Youth Congress
The Indonesian Women’s Warrior Chairpersons Association (IKPPI) is hosting Gema Pemuda 2026 at Lapangan Banteng in Central Jakarta from 30 May to 1 June 2026 to revive the spirit of the First Youth Congress in 1926 and strengthen youth roles in national development.
IKPPI Chairperson Sinda Sutadisastra stated the event, attended by around 5,000 youths from various regions, was organised in collaboration with approximately 60 women’s organisations and supported by Pupuk Kaltim.
‘We are promoting women’s empowerment as leadership mentors and family resilience advocates. Most of the committee members are high school students and university students under 21. They are directly involved in organising the national event to gain leadership experience,’ Sinda said in a statement on Monday in Jakarta.
She added that Gema Pemuda 2026 is not only a platform for youth cultural expression and creativity, but also a learning space through the involvement of various ministries providing guidance in food security, agriculture, forestry, SMEs, creative economy, social affairs, and public communication.
‘All are present to guide the nation’s next generation in preparing for future challenges,’ she said.
The event also features representatives from the United Nations (UN) and several ASEAN youth leadership organisations to open international collaboration opportunities for Indonesian youth.
She mentioned one opportunity being explored is the development of international trade cooperation involving Indonesian coffee farmers.
Additionally, collaboration between Indonesian and Filipino youth in youth leadership development is being considered.
The timing of Gema Pemuda 2026 coinciding with Pancasila’s Birth Anniversary is deemed relevant to the unity spirit bequeathed by the nation’s founding youth.
Sinda stressed that Gema Pemuda 2026 is designed as a collaboration space focused on tangible benefits for society.
‘Youth must unite not only in spirit but also through beneficial contributions to Indonesia,’ she said.
Meanwhile, Gema Pemuda 2026 Advisor Utje Gustaaf noted that the public is more familiar with the 1928 Youth Pledge, yet the First Youth Congress of 1926 was a crucial foundation for national unity.
‘The First Youth Congress of 1926 was the initial foundation of Indonesian youth unity. Amid difficult colonial conditions, youth managed to unite. It is this spirit we aim to revive to strengthen national unity and economic independence,’ Utje said.
Over three days, participants engaged in activities focusing on urban and rural agriculture, culture, creative economy, and national character strengthening.
The programme included Nusantara silat parades, traditional art performances, batik and tenun fashion shows, food bazaars, discussions with 12 ministries, eco-friendly product workshops, and the National Torch Parade titled ‘One Torch, One Resolve’ organised by the Ministry of Youth and Sports (Kemenpora) on 1 June.
Through these activities, participants received training on SME development, digital product marketing, export opportunities, and family food security strengthening.