Surya Paloh: Young People Are the Main Pillar of NasDem's Change Movement

NasDem Party Chairman Surya Paloh has stressed that the future and sustainability of the Indonesian nation’s change movement now lies entirely in the hands of the younger generation. He made the statement during the closing of the Second Congress and 15th Anniversary of Garda Pemuda, the party’s youth wing, in North Jakarta on Wednesday.

In his speech, Surya emphasised that Indonesia’s abundant natural wealth is insufficient to bring the country on par with developed nations without a significant improvement in the quality of its human resources. He stated that the NasDem Party institution is heavily reliant on the active role of young people in facing the nation’s future challenges.

“This nation must not rely on people of my age, who are already advanced in years, but on the young generation,” Surya Paloh told the cadres.

He reminded attendees that while the country’s strategic geographical position and natural beauty are divine blessings, the greatest challenge currently is the gap between natural potential and superior human quality. According to him, the essence of NasDem’s restoration agenda is to build civilisation and strengthen human quality so that Indonesia can achieve full sovereignty.

Surya also highlighted the rapidly changing global mindset, insisting that Indonesia cannot simply rely on its natural endowments without enhancing the quality of its human resources to compete on a global scale. He expressed hope that Garda Pemuda would become the engine driving the values of honesty and cultural commitment within the party.