Singaraja- Ganesha University of Education (Undiksha) commemorates Youth Pledge Day, Wednesday (28/10/2020). The commemoration was carried out in a different way from before, namely no longer with apples, but filled with webinars. This event presented the Special Staff Coordinator of the President of the Republic of Indonesia, Dr. AAGN Ari Dwipayana, M.A., as the guest speaker.
This webinar with general participants carries the theme “Indonesia is Rising: Becoming a Youth of Resilience and Character”. The Chancellor of Undiksha in his remarks said that today’s webinar theme has a very close connection with Undiksha’s role as an academic institution. Undiksha has a moral responsibility in producing superior and character human resources like Undiksha’s motto “The dharma of sajjana umerdhyam widyaguna”, that is, a wise person is to develop knowledge and character. Undiksha as an academic institution does not want to only equip their children with competencies according to their scientific fields. But also want to build a strong character. “So that they are able to face all the obstacles and problems that will be faced in the future,” said Jampel.
Delivered further, through the Tri Dharma Higher Education activities carried out by Undiksha, the younger generation is equipped with critical thinking skills, creative thinking skills, collaboration skills, communication skills, carrying out all work with sincerity, and the ability to solve problems systematically. “This ability is needed in the future by the next generation of this nation. Changes will continue to occur, many things that are unclear and ambiguous (multiple interpretations) that we will face in the future, as well as various complex problems that we will encounter, which require quick and systematic solutions,” he explained.
These abilities emphasized not only obtained in the teaching and learning process in the classroom. But mostly in activities outside the classroom, such as student organization activities, as well as other extra-curricular activities. “Education is one of the critical points in building the character of our children,” said the rector who was born in 1959.
To create a quality nation, according to Jampel, youth must also carry out a mental revolution. Mental revolution is changing the way of thinking, and changing the mindset. “We have to get used to what is right, not justify what is ordinary. Making changes is not easy, not like turning the palm of the hand. But we have to make changes from now on, starting from ourselves, and will have an impact on the larger community,” he stressed.
A real example of a form of mental revolution is during this pandemic. The steps taken are raising everyone’s awareness to always use masks, wash hands, and keep their distance. “The mental revolution is the hope of the nation today towards changing the identity of the nation for the better. Carrying out a mental revolution to build character through education, affirming and strengthening diversity, and strengthening social restoration is part of the main focus,” concluded Jampel.
The resource person, AAGN Ari Dwipayana said the youth oath brings positive energy that unites competition and differences. Therefore, this oath that was “born” 92 years ago must continue to be lit in the midst of the world’s rapid changes.
In the big flow of globalization, what often happens is fierce competition between countries and also between individuals. This has the potential to cause competition to culminate in efforts to beat and destroy each other. Anticipating this, the younger generation as the foundation of the nation, must be at the forefront in fostering unity and oneness. The attitude of cooperation in moving to build the nation also needs to be maintained. “United and working together is the key to achieving a developed Indonesia,” he said.
He further conveyed that in order to realize an advanced Indonesia, it is necessary to support a love for Indonesia. He emphasized that being Indonesian is not enough just to be part of Indonesian territory, but also to know Indonesia as a whole, from Sabang to Merauke, from Miangas to Rote. This is what young people need to understand. On this occasion, it was also conveyed that in an effort to maintain unity and unity, the government also continues to boost equitable development in various fields. (hms)
