We, the sons and daughters of Indonesia, acknowledge one motherland, Indonesia.
We, the sons and daughters of Indonesia, acknowledge one nation, the nation of Indonesia.
We, the sons and daughters of Indonesia, uphold the language of unity, Indonesian.
The three sentences above are not only a key milestone in the history of the Indonesian independence movement, but also the pledge of the entire nation to always uphold the motherland, the nation, and the language of Indonesia.
Then, what is the relationship between the youth pledge and peatlands?
“We live in a modern era where everything is fast and easy. Then, why should we bother dealing with peat restoration?”
Maybe that's what we thought when we first heard the appeal and call to preserve the peatlands. Yes, maybe we don’t need to worry right now because burned peatlands do not necessarily kill the entire nation. But, have we ever thought about our future, our children, grandchildren, and future generations?
In the context of the Youth Pledge, Indonesian land is not only the land we walk on, but also the land that we share and the land that provides a living for all Indonesians. And, youth as the next generation of the nation will certainly inherit the Indonesian land.
This legacy will become a "capital" for the youth to continue the ideals of their ancestors in providing a living for the next generation in a sustainable manner.
History has proven that the youth has always been at the forefront and played strategic roles in every important event in Indonesia, starting from the independence, revolution, to various political and social events.
Soekarno became a political figure at the age of 22. Ki Hajar Dewantara founded the Indische Partij at the age of 20. Dr. Soetomo founded Budi Utomo when he was 20 years old. There were still many young people who started various movements to make Indonesia a better place.
So, wouldn't it be better if the youth pledge is not just something we commemorate every year on 28 October, but also a pledge that can make everyone aware of the importance of protecting Indonesian land, including by preserving and restoring peatlands?
In the 2016-2020 strategic plan for peat restoration, one of the strategies implemented by the Peatland Restoration Agency (BRG) is to increase the awareness, capability, and active role of the community, civil society groups, businesses, the central government, regional governments, and village governments in managing peatlands sustainably. Thus, youth also play an important role in this issue.
The youth have to take concrete actions in everyday life, starting from themselves by protecting the environment to the public sphere by campaigning for peat restoration.
The youth can interpret the youth pledge by taking concrete actions to protect peatlands, campaigning for peat restoration, and monitoring government commitments in implementing peat restoration.
