Youth Urged to Provide Solutions in Society
The youth movement GEMPAR Indonesia has officially inaugurated the Branch Councils (DPC) for Batam City and Tanjung Balai Karimun. The inauguration and moral declaration ceremony was held at Bethesda Center Batam, Mustafa Plaza KDA, in the Riau Islands.
The inauguration ceremony also served as a platform for Christian and Catholic youth in the Riau Islands to declare their national commitment to safeguarding national development towards the Golden Indonesia 2045 vision.
Strategic attendees included GEMPAR Indonesia’s Chairman Yohanes Harry D. Sirait, Secretary General Petrus Uhir Sihombing, Riau Islands Provincial Chair Sony Christanto, and GEMPAR Indonesia’s Advisory Council member Brigadier General (Retired) Bambang Pristiwanto. Representatives from churches, local government, TNI-Polri, BIN, Ombudsman, and interfaith leaders also attended the inauguration.
Advisory Council member Brigadier General (Retired) Bambang Pristiwanto praised the presence of various professional and institutional stakeholders at the event. He stated that their participation demonstrated GEMPAR’s transformation into a unifying space for youth.
“We come from diverse backgrounds but are united by a common goal: to build a youth that fears God, loves the nation, and is ready to serve the community,” Bambang stated in a statement on Thursday, 28 May 2026.
Bambang stressed that the regional Advisory Council is designed to provide solutions, protection, and strategic guidance, not to seek out the mistakes of the management. He assured that the council comprises competent figures from various backgrounds including the police, military, Ombudsman, academia, business, and legal experts.
“We are not here to judge or find fault with the management. Our role is to mentor, protect, help find solutions, and ensure GEMPAR continues to grow as an organisation that brings benefits. The diversity of our council is a major asset in helping young people develop,” he added.
Sony Christanto, Chair of GEMPAR Riau Islands, explained that GEMPAR is an independent organisation with no affiliation to any political party. This independence allows the organisation to operate more flexibly and widely in carrying out social service and youth missions within the community.
“What we are building is not just a management structure, but a movement. Young people must act, serve, create, and be present to provide solutions in society,” Sony stressed.
Sony urged all new management members not to feel inferior or lose morale due to their age when taking on leadership roles.
“God is not looking for the most talented individuals, but those willing to be used. If we are faithful and eager to learn, God can use anyone to be a blessing to the nation. If you cannot be the sun, be a small candle willing to shine and illuminate your surroundings,” Sony concluded.
The youth and women’s movement is a synergy of two social forces dedicated to preserving national morality and acting as initiators in the nation’s development.