Pancasila Youth Fest 2026: Cultivating Character-Driven Leaders Through Culture
Amidst the waves of globalisation and massive digital transformation, the challenges facing the younger generation now extend beyond mere academic achievement. Integrity, character, and adaptability have become crucial instruments in forging resilient future leaders. To address these challenges, IPMI International Business School, in collaboration with the Pancasila Ideology Development Agency (BPIP) of the Republic of Indonesia, organised the Pancasila Youth Fest 2026.
Carrying the theme “In One Rhythm, We Rise”, this festival served as an oasis for developing leadership competencies that balance intellectual aspects with national awareness. The series of programmes, which ran from February to May 2026, successfully attracted active participation from over 500 high school and university students from the Greater Jakarta (Jabodetabek) area.
A primary pillar of this festival was the Derap Kebangsaan forum held on 16 May 2026. This forum was designed as a platform for character investment for the nation’s prospective leaders. The Rector of IPMI, Prof. Ir. M. Aman Wirakartakusumah, M.Sc., Ph.D., emphasised that formal education must go hand-in-hand with the strengthening of national identity.
“IPMI is committed to forming leaders who are not only academically superior but also possess strong national integrity,” stated Prof. Aman during his address.
In addition to discussion sessions, participants explored five Thematic Experience Rooms, including a Leadership Corner, Women Empowerment, SDGs Corner, Investment Gallery, and InnoHub, to gain practical insights into innovation and sustainability.
Pancasila Youth Fest 2026 demonstrated that leadership is not only learned through classroom theory. Through the Ratoh Jaroe Dance Competition, which served as the event’s climax on 30 May 2026, the values of collaboration and discipline were implemented through cultural expression. The competition, involving female high school students from across Greater Jakarta, was judged by a panel of experts, including dance maestros and arts academics. Through harmonious dance movements, participants learned the importance of teamwork and synchronisation—vital elements of leadership.
The success of this event serves as evidence that Pancasila values remain relevant and can be adapted by Generation Z and Alpha through creative approaches. Strategic collaborations with various partners have created a holistic learning ecosystem that merges innovation, culture, and character. Ultimately, the future leaders of Indonesia will not only be measured by their intellectual intelligence but by the extent of their empathy and their willingness to prioritise national interests above personal ones. The Pancasila Youth Fest 2026 has laid an important foundation for Indonesia’s Golden Generation.