Youth and Sports Minister Zainudin Amali encouraged students to maintain unity and integrity to safeguard the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia (NKRI) while closing the 2022 Nusantara Student Festival.
“This year (in 2022), we commemorate the 94th Youth Pledge Day. The spirit of the (Indonesian) youth (while declaring the pledge) on October 28, 1928, must still become the spirit of the youth nowadays and in the future,” he stated here on Monday
In accordance with the theme of this year’s commemoration of “United to Build the Nation,” he emphasized that unity had been the main strength of the nation since 1928.
“Only with that (unity), we can free the nation from colonizers. Unity has also become our main strength while dealing with COVID-19. Mutual cooperation is also our capital (in dealing with the pandemic), so (Indonesia) becomes one of the best countries in handling COVID-19,” he remarked.
In addition to maintaining national unity and integrity, the minister noted that science and technology transformation also becomes a challenge for students nowadays.
“Through this festival, I urge you to maintain unity among students, the younger generation, and all Indonesian people. With unity, we can maintain the Republic of Indonesia,” he stated.
He cautioned that if national unity and harmony are not fostered, then social and cultural differences may endanger the order of the community.
“Hence, I urge students to avoid acts that can disintegrate our unity and avoid spreading news with unclear sources that trigger divisions and fights between students,” he stressed.
Furthermore, he said that the younger generations are the future leaders of the nation, so they must prepare themselves well for the role.
“This festival is a platform to gather various forms of creativity and innovations of students throughout the nation. Hence, I laud and express my gratitude to (state-owned radio station) RRI for hosting this festival,” Amali stated.
He expects the festival to continue to be held in future.
“Moreover, RRI can reach various regions throughout Indonesia. Thus, it will be able to convey positive information (regarding the festival) to the public,” he added.
Source: Antara News