MPR Leader: Indonesia's Future Lies with the Youth
MPR Deputy Chairman Edhie Baskoro (Ibas) stated that Indonesia’s future lies in the hands of the youth, urging students and young people to remain the moral force of the nation—critical, solution-oriented, and service-minded.
“Indonesia must not be divided by differences. We must be a strong nation not through uniformity, but by nurturing diversity,” Ibas said in a statement received in Jakarta on Tuesday.
This strengthening was conveyed by Ibas during his speech at a cross-organisation student national discussion at the MPR RI building in Jakarta, themed “Weaving National Unity, Strengthening Indonesia: Movement, Harmony, and Service for the Nation.”
Ibas stressed that youth idealism is the fuel for change and a determinant of the nation’s future direction, referencing Tan Malaka’s quote: “Idealism is the last luxury possessed by the youth.”
He noted that the nation’s history consistently records student and youth involvement in key moments of Indonesia’s journey, from the National Awakening of 1908, the Youth Pledge of 1928, to the 1998 Reform.
“Being critical is allowed, but must be solution-focused. Courageous, yet wise. Idealistic, yet realistic,” he emphasised.
The East Java VII electoral district member also called on student organisations to uphold national brotherhood, strengthen digital literacy, build cross-identity dialogue, and constructively oversee the constitution and government policies.
Ibas, a Bachelor of Commerce in Finance and E-Commerce graduate from Curtin University, Perth, Australia, stressed that current student movements must not merely be critical but also become solution-driven and service-oriented for the community.
“If something is good, we support it; if lacking, we criticise with solutions; if wrong, we correct it together,” said the Master of Science in International Political Economy graduate from Nanyang Technological University, Singapore.
As a tangible support for youth education, Ibas distributed dozens of scholarships to needy students. The aid aims to inspire them to continue their education, develop their capabilities, and contribute their best to the nation.
Ibas, also Deputy Chairman of the KADIN Advisory Board, urged all student groups to continue weaving national unity through harmony and turning differences into strengths to strengthen Indonesia.
“Let us make students the guardians of the nation’s future,” he said.
PMKRI Chair Susana highlighted the importance of equitable education and opportunities for youth development, ensuring students from all regions have equal chances to advance and contribute to the nation.
She also stressed the need for policies favouring the poor and youth.
Meanwhile, Riyan representing IMM stated that democracy must be safeguarded through freedom of expression and healthy critical culture. He said students have a 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 societal advancement and welfare without abandoning national values. They urged the government to reduce ineffective and wasteful policies while strengthening education, food security, and equitable social welfare.
In response to student aspirations, DPR Commission I Deputy Chairman 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, Commission X DPR Chief Coordinator Sabam Sinaga and member Bramantyo Suwondo praised students for their open criticism and ideas.
They acknowledged students’ vital role as democracy drivers and strategic partners in ensuring national development remains pro-people.