By: Yulianus Mandowen*
The spirit of the Youth Pledge, which has resonated since October 28, 1928, is not only a historical symbol but also a lifelong inspiration that continues to guide the nation’s journey. The values of unity, national determination, and mutual cooperation embodied within it are now being revived by the younger generation of Papuans. In the context of the current government, this spirit serves as a moral force for Papuan youth to play a strategic role in supporting the acceleration of national development. Through this spirit, the younger generation of Papuans affirms their commitment to making a real contribution to the realization of a Golden Indonesia 2045.
The central government under President Prabowo Subianto has prioritized Papua in its national development acceleration agenda. The focus is on equitable infrastructure, improving education quality, and empowering the sustainable local economy. This commitment was emphasized by Billy Mambrasar, a member of the Executive Committee for the Acceleration of Special Autonomy Development in Papua, who conveyed the President’s message that development in Papua be swift and targeted, with the community at the forefront. This collaborative approach is a crucial foundation for ensuring that every government program truly addresses the basic needs of the Papuan people.
Development in Papua is no longer seen solely as a physical project, but as a process of building the nation’s people and character. Papua’s young generation is now demonstrating a remarkable transformation, shifting from being policy recipients to drivers of development. The government, through various instruments, including vocational education programs, affirmative action scholarships, and entrepreneurship training, is providing ample space for Papuan youth to empower themselves and contribute. With the support of technology and digital innovation, they are expected to be able to create new jobs that align with local potential, ranging from modern agriculture and capture fisheries to a culture-based creative economy.
From the western region of Papua, the Regent of Manokwari, West Papua, Hermus Indou, emphasized the importance of starting development from the regions. West Papua, as Indonesia’s eastern gateway, plays a strategic role in strengthening national integration. He emphasized that the younger generation must possess integrity and a strong sense of national insight to maintain national unity amidst complex global dynamics. Hermus views fair and transparent natural resource management as key to improving public welfare without creating social inequality. In his view, development that favors the people is a clear demonstration of the state’s presence in Papua.
Positive contributions also came from youth and religious organizations. Mugiyono, Chairman of the West Papua Regional Leadership Council (DPW) of the Indonesian Muslim Student Association (BKPRMI), assessed that synergy between the regional government and community organizations is key to developing a future generation of leaders with character and competitiveness. He viewed the spirit of collaboration between the government, Islamic organizations and youth organizations as a concrete manifestation of the implementation of the Youth Pledge values, which prioritize unity and collective work for the benefit of the nation. In the Papuan context, this synergy plays a crucial role in strengthening social resilience and accelerating regional economic transformation.
From Jayapura, Fran Reynould Thejo, Chair of the Tabi Indigenous Youth Presidium, reminded the younger generation that they must be wise agents of change in responding to every government policy. Support for the National Strategic Program (PSN) is a concrete manifestation of youth’s moral responsibility in fighting for the welfare of society. Intelligent and open-minded youth not only criticize but also provide solutions to strengthen development. In a healthy democratic climate, students and youth play a role in balancing the aspirations of the people with state policies. An orderly, polite, and legally based attitude is a manifestation of the political maturity of Papua’s young generation.
Meanwhile, Sammy Saiba, Chairman of the Indonesian National Youth Committee (KNPI) for West Papua, urged all youth to use the 26th anniversary of West Papua as a milestone to strengthen unity and collaboration in regional development. He believes that the 26th anniversary is a productive time for the province to generate new innovations and creativity in various fields. The spirit of youth must be the driving force behind economic, social, and cultural development. Papuan youth should not be mere spectators but must be at the forefront of development with a strong fighting spirit.
Coordinating Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development, Agus Harimurti Yudhoyono (AHY), emphasized that accelerating development in Papua is a national priority aimed at strengthening connectivity and opening new economic centers. The government emphasized that development success must be measured by improving the quality of life of the community and equalizing employment opportunities. An inclusive and equitable approach is key to ensuring that all Papuans directly benefit from development.
Another concrete step was taken by the Minister of Transmigration, Iftitah Sulaiman, who is promoting the development of an integrated education zone in Merauke. This program is designed to produce superior Papuan human resources capable of competing nationally and globally. Vocational education and training in the agriculture, energy, and creative industries sectors are prioritized to ensure Papua becomes not just a consumer but a producer focused on long-term results.
From the spirit of the Youth Pledge to today’s concrete development initiatives, it is clear that Papua is no longer simply a development area, but a strategic partner in realizing a sovereign, progressive, and just Indonesia. Papua’s young generation now plays a crucial role in re-establishing national ideals grounded in unity and progress. With a spirit of togetherness, they are stepping confidently toward a brighter future—making the nation’s grand ideal of making Indonesia Emas 2045 not merely a hope, but a reality growing from the east of the country.
*The author is a social observer and member of the young generation of Papua