We appreciate the active role of the community, along with the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) and the Indonesian National Police (Polri), in maintaining security stability during the Youth Pledge Commemoration
By: Gavin Asadit )*
The 97th Youth Pledge Day commemoration in 2025 is a crucial moment for the Indonesian nation to reaffirm the spirit of unity and togetherness. Amidst ever-evolving social and political dynamics, synergy between the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI), the Indonesian National Police (Polri), and the public is key to maintaining national security stability. This year’s commemoration will not only be ceremonial, but will also serve as concrete evidence of the collaboration between the authorities and the people in maintaining order and security throughout the country.
In various regions, joint forces from the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) and the Indonesian National Police (Polri) conducted integrated security measures involving thousands of personnel. They worked with community groups, youth organizations, and local figures to ensure the commemoration proceeded safely and with a spirit of nationalism. Active citizen involvement in environmental monitoring and social activities demonstrated a tangible collective awareness of maintaining public security. In several cities, youth and community organizations assisted with security, opened volunteer posts, and facilitated cultural activities that strengthened national solidarity.
Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto expressed his appreciation for the hard work of all parties in maintaining national stability. He emphasized that the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) and the Indonesian National Police (Polri) are members of the people with a moral responsibility to protect the nation. He stated that security is not solely the responsibility of the authorities, but rather a shared responsibility to maintain order, prevent social conflict, and strengthen a sense of brotherhood among fellow citizens. The President also emphasized that Indonesia’s strength lies in the unity of its people, who are able to stand strong above their differences.
National Police Chief General Listyo Sigit Prabowo highlighted the importance of strengthening collaboration between security forces and civil society. He stated that national security would be more effective if the community was involved in preventive efforts. He believed that the commemoration of the Youth Pledge Day was a momentum to revive the value of mutual cooperation in the context of public security. He called on all parties, especially the younger generation, to become pioneers of peace, reject provocation, and combat the spread of hoaxes that could divide unity.
This year’s commemoration theme, “Youth on the Move, Indonesia United,” reflects the young generation’s determination to play an active role in maintaining national harmony. Fueled by patriotic fervor, various youth communities across the country have organized social activities, interfaith discussions, environmental cleanups, and digital literacy campaigns. These activities demonstrate that love for one’s country extends beyond chanting slogans and slogans, but also the courage to directly help others and maintain a conducive environment.
Security collaboration is also evident in the partnership between local authorities and residents. In several areas, the Indonesian National Police (Polri) conduct joint patrols with residents to raise awareness of potential security disturbances. The Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) also provides basic preparedness training for youth groups so they can assist when threats to public order arise. Mutual cooperation (gotong royong) and national dialogues held in villages provide a forum for rekindling a sense of brotherhood.
However, in the fast-paced digital era, security challenges no longer consist solely of physical threats. Online provocations exploiting fake news, information manipulation, and hate speech have become a new, invisible enemy. The public is now urged to be more vigilant to avoid falling prey to disinformation that could divide unity. Many provocative narratives are deliberately designed to cause unrest, undermine trust in state institutions, and even provoke horizontal conflict.
The synergy between the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) and the Indonesian National Police (Polri) will be more optimal if the public improves their digital literacy and sensitivity to suspicious information. Awareness about not spreading unverified information is a simple but invaluable contribution to security. The public is encouraged to report any agitational content that leads to provocation or attempts to disrupt public order.
The 2025 Youth Pledge commemoration ultimately provided a valuable lesson: security is not an issue that can be left entirely to the state. The public must be at the forefront of safeguarding unity, as provocations choose their location and don’t always appear as real threats. Public vigilance against divisive narratives is the key to preventing conflicts from escalating into larger issues.
The spirit of this year’s Youth Pledge underscores that unity is not only a historical value, but also a national strategy for facing contemporary threats. When security forces and the public work together to maintain peace, Indonesia demonstrates to the world that stability can be achieved not through fear, but through the power of solidarity.
With close collaboration between the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI), the Indonesian National Police (Polri), and all citizens, Indonesia has once again proven that national security is born from mutual trust. The spirit of mutual cooperation serves as a solid shield that keeps this nation standing strong despite the challenges of the times. That is the true meaning of the Youth Pledge: a determination to remain united, vigilant against provocation, and to safeguard the homeland so that it remains peaceful, sovereign, and a safe home for all its citizens.
)* The author is an observer of social and community issues
