RedTalks 2026 Arrives in Malang, Discussing Nationalism and the Future of Youth

The RedTalks 2026 forum, initiated by the East Java Regional Leadership Council (DPD) of PDI Perjuangan together with detikcom, is a public dialogue platform bringing together students, activists, academics, cultural figures, and youth leaders to convey ideas, criticism, and self-criticism in an open and constructive manner. RedTalks 2026 carries the theme ‘Indonesia is Ours: A Generation’s Boundless Nationalism’. Through this theme, the forum is expected to become a momentum to affirm that Indonesia’s future is the responsibility of all generations, and that young people have a strategic role as drivers of change towards a more democratic, independent, and socially just Indonesia. The forum will discuss two main themes. The first, ‘Youth and Political Parties: Still Trusting or Have They Lost Hope?’, will explore the growing scepticism of young people towards political parties, the space for leadership regeneration, and criticism and self-criticism of current political practices. The second, ‘Independent or Giving Up? The Path for Young People to Build a Future Amidst Uncertainty’, will discuss entrepreneurship, the creative economy, the importance of upskilling and reskilling, and the state’s role in opening opportunities for the younger generation. Packaged in an interactive talk show format lasting approximately three hours, RedTalks features two-way dialogue between speakers and participants, open delivery of criticism, cross-generational exchange of ideas, and the formulation of recommendations and national reflections. Several prominent figures are attending as speakers. From the national figure circle, Rocky Gerung is present as a political observer. Cultural figure Drs. Dwi Cahyono M.Hum will represent the cultural perspective. Meanwhile, Qintharra Ulya Yassifa, Deputy Head of Creative Economy and Digital Economy for PDI Perjuangan East Java, is taking part as a community figure. From academia, Dr. Silvi Asna Prestianawati, SE., M.Si from the Faculty of Economics and Business, Brawijaya University, and Dr. Suko Widodo, Drs., M.Si. from FISIP Airlangga University are attending. The forum also features fresh faces from the entertainment world, namely comedian Dewangga and comedian Abdel Achrian, to ensure the discussion remains lively and grounded. The voice of campus youth is also represented by Kafitan Aidil Fitra Sukirman (Vice Chair of BEM Brawijaya University), Aryo Bimo Soebagio (Vice Chair of BEM Wisnuwardhana University and Deputy Coordinator of BEM Greater Malang), Mochamad Alif Firdaus (Head of Politics and Networking for DPC GMNI Malang), and Benny Miftahul Arifin (Chair of PMII Malang City). The forum will be guided by Alfian Rahardjo and Kanza Tamarindora, news anchors from CNN Indonesia. RedTalks 2026 will be held on Saturday, 25 July 2026, from 10.00 to 13.00 WIB, at the Malang Creative Center (MCC) Auditorium.