Pilar Muda School Fosters Critical and Integrity-Driven Youth in Sumbawa

Johan Rosihan, Deputy Chair of the MPR RI’s Budgetary Commission and Chair of the Pilar Muda School Committee, emphasised the importance of youth in preserving national values and contributing to regional development towards Golden Indonesia 2045. He spoke as a guest speaker at the Meet The Leaders talkshow, part of the Pilar Muda School’s series of events, held at La Grande Ballroom in Sumbawa, West Nusa Tenggara (NTB), on Sunday, 24 May. Sherly Annavita Rahmi also participated as a speaker.

In his presentation, Johan explained that the Pilar Muda School was initiated based on survey results from the MPR RI’s 4 Pillars Socialisation Activity, which highlighted Sumbawa’s youth demand for interactive spaces to share their ideas and perspectives.

“Many young people want to be directly involved in social change but lack adequate spaces to develop their potential,” Johan stated in a statement on Tuesday, 26 May 2026.

He added that the school was designed as a politically neutral learning space focusing on critical thinking, leadership, and social awareness of the local environment.

Johan stressed that youth must not be passive observers in societal change. Young people, he said, must actively lead national development amidst rapid technological, social, and global economic and political shifts.

Meanwhile, Sherly Annavita Rahmi highlighted the importance of digital literacy and social media ethics in the current digital age. She stated that social media should be used for education, self-development, and driving social change.

“Social media should not merely be a source of entertainment but also a platform for learning and creating positive impact,” Sherly said.

The discussion was interactive and enthusiastic, with participants encouraged to understand the importance of leadership, national values, food security, environmental care, and tangible youth contributions to social life.

The Meet The Leaders event is a collaboration between the MPR RI and MY Institute. It was attended by students and youth from across Sumbawa Regency selected as Pilar Muda School delegates.

The forum provided a platform for youth to dialogue with national leaders on strategic issues including leadership, nationalism, youth challenges, and regional development towards Golden Indonesia 2045.

The event commenced at 8:00 AM WITA (Central Indonesian Time) with an opening bumper and creative dance performance. The atmosphere intensified with a Pilar Muda School profile video screening and introductions of delegates who had undergone selection and mentoring.

MC Subhan Azharullah hosted the event before all participants sang the national anthem, Indonesia Raya, as a gesture of unity and nationalism.

Miftahul Arzak, Head of Pilar Muda School, stated in his address that the school serves as a youth development platform focusing not only on academic skills but also character building and social awareness.

He noted that Sumbawa Regency’s demographic, dominated by Gen Z and Gen Alpha, presents a significant opportunity if properly nurtured.

However, he warned that the demographic dividend could become a challenge if young people lose direction amid rapid technological and social media advancements.

“Low literacy, instant culture, social media addiction, youth unemployment, and declining social awareness are real challenges that must be addressed collectively,” he said.

Through the Pilar Muda School programme, delegates are encouraged not only to discuss but also to conduct research, write essays, and directly address local environmental, food, and social issues.

Participants’ insights will be compiled into recommendations for submission to the local government and Sumbawa Regency Regional House of Representatives (DPRD).

Additionally, delegates’ social projects will receive year-long mentorship as part of ongoing leadership development.

A key moment was the pinning ceremony for all Pilar Muda School delegates, conducted by Johan Rosihan alongside Miftahul Arzak and Sherly Annavita Rahmi.

Delegates were called individually by region, from Region 1 to 10, symbolising their commitment and responsibility as young people ready to contribute to community and regional development.

The event continued with a speech by delegate representative Remon Aksa Dinata.

In his address, Remon urged Sumbawa’s youth to move beyond discussion and take concrete actions for their communities and region.

He explained that the Pilar Muda School was founded in response to concerns over ideas confined to discussions without real-world implementation.

Therefore, the programme aims to cultivate delegates into youth with leadership qualities, critical thinking skills, and the courage to engage directly with local issues.

He added that during the training period, participants receive leadership workshops, mock trials, and policy recommendation development on environmental, educational, and regional governance issues in Sumbawa Regency.

Additionally, delegates have committed to social projects focused on farmer regeneration and organising the Pilar Muda Festival to ensure food security while preserving local culture.