PDIP East Java Cadres Respond to Challenge on Youth Involvement in Politics

Communication expert from Airlangga University (Unair), Suko Widodo, challenged PDIP cadres to maintain direct communication between the people and political parties, including providing space for young people. Speaking at the RedTalks 2026 event ‘Limitless Nationalism of the Generation’ in Malang, Suko noted that while PDIP was once famous for its connection with the ‘wong cilik’ (common people), today many people talk but do not truly communicate. He suggested that returning to the party’s Marhaenist roots is the entry point for PDIP to get back on the right path. Suko acknowledged hearing that young figures like Qintharra were being involved by PDIP East Java to address the concerns and aspirations of the youth, stating that what PDIP needs is figures like her, not soldiers.

The challenge was directly answered by Qintharra Ulya Yassifa, Deputy Head of Creative Economy and Digital Economy for PDI Perjuangan East Java. She candidly explained that PDIP East Java provides the widest possible space for young people, countering the scepticism that student ideas are not heard or that seniority dominates. Qintharra stated that the ‘ladder of participation’, where young people are merely used as tokens or cosmetics, is not practised in PDI Perjuangan. She emphasised that young people are genuinely involved in the party structure from the provincial to the neighbourhood level and are included in providing input for government policies, not just as decorations.

Political observer Rocky Gerung responded to the dialogue by praising the honesty of the young cadre’s experience. He argued that while cynicism towards parties and politicians is necessary, it must be based on arguments rather than mere sentiment. Rocky challenged PDIP to demonstrate the strength of its nationalism in blocking oligarchy and urged young people to engage in ideological debate. He concluded that the nation can only be rebuilt by revisiting the intellectual and ideological debates of the past, encouraging young people to think critically while navigating the modern world.