Youth Pledge Movement As A New Generation Constellation

The participants of the Second Youth Congress took a group photo in front of the Indonesische Clubgebouw Building, Jl, Kramat 106 Jakarta on October 28, 1928. (Doc. Kompas)

JAKARTA - September 28 in Indonesia is celebrated as Youth Pledge Day. This national election was born from the Second Youth Congress, which was held under the leadership of Soegondo Djjojopoespito in three places in Jakarta on 27-28 September 1928.

The three places are Katholieke Jongenlingen Bond, Oost Java Bioscoop, and Indonesische Clubgebouw. The congress was attended by nine youth associations in the Dutch East Indies, namely: Jong Java, Jong Celebes, Jong Soematra, Jong Bataksbond, Sekar Roekonen, Pemoeda Indonesia, Jong Islamieten, Pemoeda Kaoem Betawi, and Perhimpoenan Peladjar2 Indonesia.

"The divorce must be fought, so that we can unite" Soegondo welcomed the opening of the congress at the Katholieke Jangenlingen Bond Building on September 27, 1928.

Long story short, from the congress which was attended by nine youth associations in the Dutch East Indies, a decision was made: We are the Sons and Women of Indonesia Claiming to be One Blood Spill, Indonesian Country; We are the Sons and Daughters of Indonesia Claiming to be One Nation, The Indonesian Nation; We are the Sons and Daughters of Indonesia. Uphold the Language of Unity, Indonesian.

After World War I many movements and organizations emerged in various parts of the world, including Indonesia. They aim the same, namely nationalists, but are different in tactics, direct goals, and the sharpness of perceptions about the meaning of national independence.

These organizations arise as a result of dissatisfaction with political parties (political parties) who are often ambiguous. The youths then rebelled against these conditions.

The collective rebellion carried out by youth groups in various countries basically aims to make political, social and cultural changes where they are.

Young people invite people to change course. They are worried about the possibility of threats of political upheaval, loss of civil rights, damage to the social environment, to deteriorating economic conditions.

According to sociologist Karl Mannheim (1928), the constellation of generations reflects a different mental disposition of each generation. Youths seek to provide different intellectual horizons, in a very specific historical perception.

What happened in the Dutch East Indies was of course the feeling of being a second-class citizen due to colonialism. So that the demands to be free and free from the shackles of colonialism were then echoed.

The acceleration of the industry that occurred in Europe in the late 19th century, moved young indigenous people in the Dutch East Indies. They feel more 'excited' to changes out there. The knowledge and experience of the older generation is considered no longer relevant.

This is accompanied by the development of the youth cult, along with industrial production, development of urban culture, and the capitalized economy. This situation prioritizes young people, because they are considered stronger, more dynamic, and more open to change.

Meanwhile, on the other hand, the old generation who live in the center of political power is still at the center of political power. They are also trying to maintain their presence as determinants of the future, and of course they are full of interests to maintain stability.

Educational reforms at that time also determined the indigenous Dutch East Indies youth to participate more in politics. Their self-confidence is getting higher thanks to the growing presence of the mass media. Conditions like this are very necessary, especially during times of upheaval.

As a generation that will take power, young people need to be considered by older predecessors. This kind of perception ultimately ignited the movement of young Dutch East Indies, until it finally gave birth to the Youth Pledge. And that is one of the biggest events in the journey of the Nation and the State of Indonesia.