Antara News·Indonesia·Wednesday, October 28, 2026 at 10:26 AM UTC

Youth must be heard, given space for progress: DPR Speaker

Translate

Bagus, Kenzu

Jakarta (ANTARA) - House of Representatives (DPR) Speaker Puan Maharani said on Youth Pledge Day 2026 that young people must be heard more and given space to bring progress and shape the nation’s future.

She said this here on Wednesday, adding that young people should be given opportunities to explain problems and propose ideas, including the freedom to express themselves and voice opinions within democratic channels.

“Listening to young people means making room for their experiences and thinking in determining Indonesia’s direction. We need to build relationships that let them ask questions, voice criticism, offer solutions, and know about the follow-up,” Maharani said.

On the other hand, she urged Indonesian youth not to forget humanitarian and national values, given that today’s young generation faces complex challenges from technological disruption, social change, and fast-moving economic pressure.

“These challenges must become motivation for Indonesia’s young generation, not obstacles to progress,” she said.

She assessed that the theme “Patriotic, Persevering, Empathetic: Youth for Indonesia” for the 98th Youth Pledge Day invites young people to link love for the nation with perseverance in their work and care for others.

“Just as on October 28, 1928, when young people united their resolve beyond differences of origin, ethnicity, and group, today we continue that spirit by working together, respecting differences, and opening opportunities for all young people to advance,” she said.

At the same time, she also praised young people who contribute through education, work, business, social activities, sports, and the development of knowledge. According to her, every contribution from young people matters to community life, including service that grows in villages and regions far from the center of attention.

“Among them are young people who study while working, start businesses with limited resources, and help support their families,” she said.

She also committed that the DPR, through its functions, will fight for policies that expand opportunities for young people.

“Keep learning, creating, and caring for others. Indonesia needs the capabilities of its young generation, and Indonesia’s progress needs to open an increasingly better future for every young person,” she said.

View the original on Antara News →

KioskNews shows a cleaned-up reading view extracted from the publisher’s page — the original always lives on their site, not ours.