'There is still discrimination here'

'There is still discrimination here'

Indonesians will commemorate the 75th Youth Pledge Day on Oct.
28. The pledge says that we are all one nation, one state and one
language. However, many people say that the main content of the
pledge has faded away. The Jakarta Post talked to some students
on the issue.

Septarina, 24, is a second year student of a private
university in West Jakarta. She lives in Tomang, West Jakarta,
with her family:

The Youth Pledge Day has yet to completely lose its meaning
but the execution is far from satisfying.

Seniority in many campuses, for instance, has created a wide
gap with the junior students which could lead to problems. Many
students are also involved in brawls that indeed results in
disunity.

As a youth, I personally wanted to make a better nation and I
believe that I have something valuable to contribute.

I have become a volunteer for various social works with
helping flood victims last year and teaching street children to
distribute relief aids.

I dream of going to remote areas and teaching the people
there. It is important to empower the poor and uneducated people.
This is the significant point to realize the content of the Youth
Pledge that has been fading away.

Weni, 18, is a first year student of a private university in
West Jakarta. She resides in Sunter, North Jakarta, with her
family:

We have to remember the contents of the Youth Pledge. Even
until today, people, including students, still treat others based
on their ethnic groups, religions and other factors.

I happen to be a Chinese-Indonesian. I feel that many people
discriminate me at the campus.

There is a gap. I wish all students can mingle regardless of
their ethnic groups and religion.

I have a dream of being a mediator to unify Indonesian
citizens who speak different languages, come from different
ethnic groups and have different beliefs. With such unity, I'm
sure the Youth Pledge Day will regain its core meaning.

Fifi, not her real name, 24, is a student of a private
university in Kuningan, South Jakarta. She lives in Tangerang
with her family:

The Youth Pledge has lost its significant meaning, nowadays it
is hard to find any trace of the pledge. There are still student
brawls and also separatist movements in some parts of the
country.

For the youths, it's better for them to start improving
tolerance and good understanding of the pledge. I'm sure if we
are willing to start to be tolerant to others, our lives will be
an example in the society.

-- Leo Wahyudi S.