PNKT: Karang Taruna Service Month is a Momentum to Mobilise Villages for Indonesia

Jakarta (ANTARA) - The General Chairman of the National Karang Taruna Board (PNKT), Budisatrio Djiwandono, has invited all officials and members of Karang Taruna across Indonesia to utilise the 2026 Karang Taruna Service Month (BBKT) as a momentum to strengthen social, humanitarian, and community empowerment movements.

“Karang Taruna must not only be present during scheduled activities. Karang Taruna must be present when the community is in need,” said Budisatrio during the online opening of the 2026 BBKT series on Thursday.

Budisatrio emphasised that Karang Taruna is a platform for the younger generation that grows from, by, and for the community; therefore, its existence should not be limited to organisational structures or ceremonial activities.

He added that the measure of Karang Taruna’s success is not merely the number of activities organised, but the extent of the benefits and changes felt by the community.

“When there are social issues, Karang Taruna is present; when there are disasters, Karang Taruna moves; when there is potential in the younger generation, Karang Taruna empowers; and when the community needs support, Karang Taruna takes part,” he stated.

Budisatrio noted that over the last ten months, the PNKT has continued to strengthen organisational consolidation while encouraging Karang Taruna’s involvement in various social and humanitarian actions.

Karang Taruna, he continued, has been involved in disaster management in Sumatra, humanitarian support in Papua, earthquake response in East Nusa Tenggara, as well as handling forest and land fires in Sumatra and Kalimantan.

This involvement is carried out through the deployment of volunteers, distribution of logistical aid, humanitarian services, and collaboration with ministries, agencies, local governments, the business sector, communities, and various partners.

These experiences, he said, should serve as a foundation to continuously increase Karang Taruna’s capacity in disaster mitigation, preparedness, and emergency response.

With a network extending to the village, sub-district, unit, and sub-unit levels, Karang Taruna possesses the strength to detect issues and move swiftly to assist the community.

“I want Karang Taruna to be known not just by its name and organisation, but by its role and contribution. Do not just ensure Karang Taruna exists in every region, but ensure Karang Taruna is present when the community needs it,” he remarked.

Budisatrio also urged all levels of Karang Taruna not to wait for issues to escalate before taking action. Officials at every level are expected to be able to recognise social problems within their environments and build collaborations to provide appropriate and sustainable solutions.