Puan Kasih Strong Encourages Young Generation Not To Be Absent In The 2024 Election

Chairman of the Indonesian House of Representatives, Puan Maharani. Photo: Doc/Man

JAKARTA - Chairman of the Indonesian House of Representatives, Puan Maharani, gave a number of messages during the commemoration of Youth Pledge Day in 2023, from potential to empowering the younger generation. The message, which supports the development of the younger generation, is considered encouraging.

Puan Maharani's statement is very positive and relevant in inviting Indonesian youths to participate in the nation's development, especially in the context of Youth Pledge Day," said Political Communication Analyst Silvanus Alvin, Monday (30/10/2023).

"His spirit to maintain unity, respect differences, and advance the nation is an inspiring message," he continued.

In the commemoration of the 95th Youth Pledge Day yesterday, Puan talked about the importance of the younger generation becoming the pioneer of national unity and integrity. She also invited youths/women to work together to build Indonesia.

Not only that, Puan also encourages the younger generation to respect equality amidst differences, including gender equality. The first woman to serve as Chair of the DPR RI also invited young people to continue to actualize Pancasila in the era of rapid technological advances.

"The focus on equality, mutual cooperation, and technological integration is an important step to answer the challenges of today's era," said Alvin.

He added that Puan's message encouraging policy makers and other elements of the nation to maximize support for the younger generation was very significant considering that Indonesia was predicted to experience a demographic bonus. Alvin agreed with Puan's statement that the voices and aspirations of young people be heard.

Puan's willingness to listen to the voices of young people is a very positive action. The younger generation often has fresh ideas and new views that can bring positive changes," said the young lecturer from Multimedia Nusantara University (UMN).

Alvin also praised Puan's attitude for always providing support to the younger generation. For example, when Puan invited the younger generation to participate in a campaign to save the environment to overcome the climate crisis.

With various breakthroughs made, Alvin is optimistic that the younger generation will have an effect on improving the condition of the earth. Puan is also known to encourage young people to also be involved in the conservative sector which is integrated with technological advances such as in the agricultural sector to support food security.

"Because the integration of technology, especially in the agricultural and environmental sectors, is a progressive step in accordance with current technological developments that allow the younger generation to take part," said Alvin.

The Master of Arts from Leicester Inggri University also highlighted how Puan as a national figure is not tired of reminding the younger generation to participate in politics because politics can be a forum for struggle. Moreover, according to Alvin, Puan's support for the younger generation to be involved in politics is conveyed on various occasions, including in international forums.

Through her statement, Puan Maharani has provided a strong encouragement to the younger generation to play an active role in politics and elections. With the dominance of the number of voters from generation Z and millennials in the 2024 election, their participation is very important to shape Indonesia's future," she explained.

In many international forums such as the 44th ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA) which was held in Jakarta last August, Puan invited the parliament of Southeast Asian countries to include the younger generation in all sectors of life. At that time, Puan reminded all parties to support the participation of young people in politics, including in parliament.

Listening to the voices of young people is a positive step in promoting democratic participation. Thus, this gives recognition to all citizens, including the younger generation, that their opinions and aspirations have value," said Alvin.

Therefore, Puan's continued steps to provide support for the younger generation are said to have to be followed by other national figures. However, Alvin reminded that support for young people should not be carried out half-heartedly.

"Support for the younger generation should not be just a political gimmick. Because the younger generation is an investment in the nation's future, ensuring more sustainable, inclusive, and relevant policies to the demands of the times," said the author of the book "Political Digitization: Reflection and Communication Dynamics".

"There must be consistency and concrete actions like that of the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Puan Maharani, where as a member of the legislative council, Puan has carried out many actions of support for young people and has continued to voice the interests of the younger generation," continued Alvin.

Previously, the Chairman of the Indonesian House of Representatives invited all Indonesian youths to continue to move forward Indonesia. He conveyed this in commemoration of the 95th Youth Pledge Day in 2023.

"Young people are the driving force of the nation's progress. So youth must be able to continue to negate Bhinneka Tunggal Ika, which is the motto of Indonesia. Unite in harmony of differences, respect equality for all," said Puan, Saturday (28/10).

The equivalence in question includes gender equality, equality of education, economic equality, and others. Puan also said that all young people must have the opportunity to be honed and their potential developed so that they can become future generations that will bring the Indonesian nation forward.

"Indonesian youth must realize that women and men have the same rights and obligations. That regardless of education and their economic background, no young people should not be heard," said the former Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Culture.

No young people should be left behind. Because Indonesian youths / drivers will lead this nation in the future through their movement orchestration in the spirit of mutual cooperation, "said Puan.

To achieve this, according to Bung Karno's grandson, encouragement and assistance are needed for the younger generation of all elements of the nation. Starting from the Government, DPR, the world of education, the work environment, community organizations, and other stakeholders. According to Puan, there is no useful talent if it is honed and taught well.

"We all have to work together in empowering the youth generation by supporting all their potesi and talents. Both the potential of academics, sports, business or entrepreneurs, MSMEs, the creative economy, technology, and many more," he explained.

Puan also invited young Indonesians to actualize the spirit of the Youth Pledge in the political field. He said the younger generation could also contribute to the Indonesian democratic system by channeling their voting rights for those who already have the right to vote for prospective Indonesian leaders.

"Welcoming this political year, the younger generation must be able to play an active role in creating a democratic system in Indonesia. By giving their voting rights, young people will contribute to building the nation and state," concluded Puan.