Economic Stimulus Launched on Youth Pledge Day Becomes a Leap to Independence

Jakarta – This year’s commemoration of Youth Pledge Day is a crucial opportunity for the government to affirm the direction of national economic independence. President Prabowo Subianto launched an economic stimulus package designed to maintain people’s purchasing power while strengthening the foundations of long-term economic growth.

In his address, President Prabowo Subianto stated that this stimulus policy is not only a response to global economic challenges, but also a strategic step towards national independence. The government is targeting national economic growth to increase to 8 percent by 2029, up from the current 5 percent.

“We want a strong people, an independent economy, and a more sovereign future for Indonesia,” said the President.

Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto emphasized that the President tasked him with announcing the fourth stimulus package as part of the government’s fiscal policy continuity.

“The President requested that direct cash assistance be provided from October to December 2025. This program will reach approximately 140 million beneficiaries, in addition to regular assistance from the Ministry of Social Affairs,” said Airlangga.

This fourth economic stimulus package includes the National Direct Cash Assistance (BLT) Program, worth IDR 200,000 per month for three months, to 35 million beneficiary families from deciles 1–4. This policy is expected to support low-income household consumption towards the end of the year, while maintaining purchasing power stability amidst global uncertainty.

In addition to BLT, the government is also rolling out the National Internship Program, a symbol of investment in young human resources. Maintaining a Conducive Digital Space Reflects the True Spirit of the Youth Pledge

JAKARTA – Maintaining a conducive digital space is a practice of the values ​​of the Youth Pledge, which began on October 28, 1928.

In today’s era, the spirit of unity and nationalism is tested by how the younger generation maintains ethics and togetherness in cyberspace.

The Head of the Master of Political Science Study Program at Wijaya Kusuma University, Surabaya, Dr. Drs. H. Darsono, M.Sc., emphasized that the spirit of the Youth Pledge must be revived in a digital context.

“Now, that spirit needs to be revitalized in a digital context, because the boundaries of space and time are becoming blurred, while national identity is often lost in global currents,” he said.

Darsono believes that the digital space is creating new forms of social and political interaction that are full of dynamics—from polarization caused by echo chambers to the rise of disinformation.

However, he sees a significant opportunity for the younger generation to utilize technology to strengthen solidarity across generations.

“Youth in the digital era must become digital citizens with character, be information and technology literate, and wise in using social media,” Darsono stated.

“Use the digital space to strengthen the nation, not to divide it,” he emphasized.

Similarly, Suyadi Pawiro, Expert Staff for Central, Regional, and International Relations at the Ministry of Youth and Sports, stated that the reflection of the values ​​of the Youth Pledge does not stop at the ceremony, but in the behavior of the younger generation online.

“The Youth Pledge must continue to be a reflection and reflection for the younger generation to enhance nationalism, unity, and creativity in the future, including in the digital space that has now become part of everyday life,” he said.

Suyadi added that the Ministry of Youth and Sports continues to strengthen digital literacy for youth, who are at the forefront of maintaining a safe, peaceful, and productive social space.

The 97th commemoration of the Youth Pledge, with the theme “Young Men and Women on the Move, Indonesia United,” symbolizes a new commitment to maintaining national integrity.

Meanwhile, women’s activist and researcher Dr. Edriana reminded the importance of digital intelligence for young people to avoid being trapped by the flow of misleading information.

“We are familiar with digital media, but we often misuse it. Generation Z must understand media algorithms and not forget history, because within it lies the spirit of unity,” she said.

According to Edriana, the spirit of the Youth Pledge now demands a new form of struggle: maintaining unity in the real world while maintaining vigilance in cyberspace.

She believes that society is the key to creating conducive conditions amidst global challenges and the onslaught of digital provocation.

Maintaining a healthy and harmonious digital space is not simply a matter of communication ethics, but a manifestation of the values ​​of the Youth Pledge, transformed into a national spirit in the digital era. (*) The first wave will be attended by 20,000 participants from October 2025 to March 2026, while the second wave targets 80,000 participants by April 2026. This program provides an allowance equivalent to the Provincial Minimum Wage (UMP), social security for workers, and placement in the public sector, strategic industries, and MSMEs.