'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.