Yulinar Pasaribu: The Youth Pledge is the Mandate of Civilization, Education is the Battlefield

FAJAR.CO.ID, JAKARTA — The 97th anniversary of the Youth Pledge on October 28 this year carries a much deeper meaning than just remembering the pledge of unity: one homeland, one nation, one language. According to the Secretary General of Palpasi Indonesia, Yulinar Havsa Pasaribu, SH, MH, the Youth Pledge must now be interpreted as a civilizational mandate for the nation’s next generation to achieve true independence through science.

In his reflection, Yulinar emphasized that education is not just a teaching and learning activity, but is the main weapon for educating and liberating the mind.

“Who moved the nation when the road was still dark? History answers: youth, students, students,” he wrote.

He quoted Mohammad Hatta’s thoughts, who said, “Students and university students in Indonesia also do not remain silent, planting and living up to the ideals recommended by the Indonesian Association.”

For Yulinar, this emphasizes that youth are the engine that drives ideas, not just reserve energy.

Furthermore, he highlighted the legacy of Ki Hadjar Dewantara’s thoughts which remain relevant across time. First, from the principle of educational leadership which is full of meaning: “Ing ngarsa sung tulada, ing madya mangun karsa, tut wuri handayani.”

For Yulinar, this principle reflects the design of an ideal relationship between freedom and responsibility—where authority is present without oppressing, and freedom is guided without being dictated.

He also quoted Ki Hadjar’s philosophical views, “The seeds of an independent life will grow well if they are sown through education.”