Rahmat Saleh Hopes Young People Can Have Space to Contribute in Policy Making

Rahmat Saleh, a member of the House of Representatives Commission IV and the newly elected Chairman of Gema Keadilan for the 2026-2031 period, has invited youth organisations across political parties to strengthen collaboration in safeguarding the future of Indonesian democracy and to fight for greater affirmative space for the younger generation in politics.

In his speech at the closing of the V National Conference of Gema Keadilan, he stated that the demographic bonus, global economic challenges, and geopolitical dynamics demand fresh ideas from the younger generation. According to him, young people must be given more room to contribute to the policy-making process.

‘We must coordinate frequently, especially among young people across parties, to formulate the concept of democracy going forward. The potential of young people to lead must not be hindered,’ he said. He added that youth aspirations need affirmation, both in regulations and in the cadre training processes within political parties.

Rahmat also highlighted the low representation of the younger generation in parliament. He noted that the number of elected DPR RI members under the age of 40 in the 2024 General Election was only around 15 percent, while within PKS itself the figure stood at just 11 percent. He expressed hope that by 2029, the political landscape of Indonesia would be increasingly dominated by competent young cadres.

‘This is what I convey to fellow members of the under-40 generation. Hopefully, we can dominate the political scene in 2029,’ he said.

Accepting the mandate to lead Gema Keadilan for the 2026-2031 period, Rahmat stated his commitment to preparing PKS’s young cadres to be increasingly influential in the policy-making process. He also hopes that youth issues will receive attention at the upcoming PKS Syuro Council meeting.