The Ethical Politics Behind The Youth Oath In Today's History, October 28, 1928

Second Congress Committee 27-28 October (Photo: Youth Pledge Museum)

JAKARTA - Towards independence, the Netherlands launched an ethical policy. This is more or less open the insight of the natives. Awareness of nationalism grew, until the youth made a Youth Pledge movement.

Indonesia commemorates Youth Pledge Day every 28 October. The Youth Pledge is an acknowledgment of Indonesian youth. The children of this nation pledged that they were one homeland, one nation, and one language. The Youth Pledge Day is commemorated every October 28 based on the results of the congress formulation which was then held on October 27-28, 1928.

The Congress on 27-28 October 1928 was the second Congress of young people and women. Previously on December 17, 1927, they had held a congress. The congress, which was attended by representatives of the sons and daughters of various regions, aims to establish the notion of Indonesian unity and nationality. This congress also aims to strengthen relations.

Because it had not yet achieved its goal, at the PPPKI's initiative, the Second Congress was held on 27-28 October 1928. The first day of the Second Congress was held at the Catholic Jongelingen Bond Building, at Lapangan Banteng, Jakarta. The congress was attended by 750 participants, from various youth organizations such as Jong Java, Jong Sumatranen Bond, Jong Batak, Pemoeda Indonesia, Jong Islamieten Bond, Jong Celebes, Sekar Rukun, Jong Ambon, and Pemuda Betawi.

Meanwhile, the second day of the Second Congress, on October 28, 1928, was held at the Oost Java Bioscoop Building. Quoting the Youth Pledge Museum, before the congress closed, the song "Indonesia Raya" by Wage Rudolf Supratman was played with the violin for the first time. The strains of Indonesia Raya were warmly welcomed by the congress participants.

Congress closed by announcing the formulation of the results of the congress. By the youths present, the formula was pronounced as the Oath of Allegiance or what we know today is the Youth Pledge.

Painting commemorating Youth Pledge Day in 1985 (Source: Wikimedia Commons)

Youth concerns

In the early 20th century, the Dutch government provided education to the indigenous people of the Dutch East Indies which was part of the continuation of ethical politics. The opportunity to receive education was not given only in the Dutch East Indies, but indigenous children were also given the opportunity to receive education in the Netherlands, although only for certain circles.

Citing the journal Pledge of Youth and Indonesian Nationalism by Tri Karyanti, the Dutch East Indies region itself has two classifications of indigenous schools, namely elite schools which aim to provide administrative staff for the government and the private sector. As well as a school for small people that aims to learn to read, write and count.

The number of natives who received education made the emergence of educated people. It was they who later became the pioneers of Indonesian nationalism awareness. These intellectuals began to establish youth organizations as a medium of struggle to free the country from colonialism. It was this union of various organizations that led to the Congress and the emergence of the Youth Pledge.

Youth Pledge Day 2021 theme

The Youth Pledge also provides a lesson for the Indonesian people that no matter where we come from, they are still Indonesian and have the same ideals that advance Indonesia. At that time, the youth did not discriminate from which tribe, religion, or organization came from, because their determination was to unite.

For 2021, the theme of Youth Pledge Day is United, Rise, and Grow. In his remarks at the Youth Pledge, the Minister of Youth and Sports (Menpora), Zainudin Amali, said that the theme was taken to reaffirm the commitments that have been built by the youth that were pledged in 1928.

"In the history of the Youth Pledge that only with unity can we realize the ideals of the nation," said Menpora Amali, launching the official website of the Indonesian Ministry of Youth and Sports.

According to Menpora Amali, the theme of United, Rise and Grow is intended for all elements of the nation, especially for the youth.

"This theme for youth is important because it is in the hands of the youth that we hope that Indonesia can rise from adversity due to the COVID-19 pandemic and move forward to drive economic growth in Indonesia," he said.

*Read other information about TODAY's HISTORY or read other interesting articles from Putri Ainur Islam.

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