The INDONESIAN — The beating drums of anti-corruption echoed through the capital as Indonesia commemorated the 97th Youth Pledge Day. Four community organizations launched a national movement titled “People’s Gong Against Corruption,” symbolizing a people’s awakening to confront corruption a practice seen as eroding the nation’s moral foundation and the future of its youth.
The movement is initiated by LIRA (People’s Information Center), Madas Nusantara (Madura Native Society), FSPTSI (Federation of Indonesian Transport Workers’ Unions), and PWMOI (Indonesian Online Media Journalists Association). Together, they pledged to mobilize public power for transparency and accountability while promoting clean governance toward Indonesia’s 2045 Golden Generation Vision.
KRH HM Jusuf Rizal, President of LIRA and Chairman of Madas Nusantara, in his address emphasized that today’s youth struggle is no longer just about “One Nation, One Homeland, One Language.” The real enemy, he warned, is corruption which has deeply penetrated every layer of bureaucracy and politics.
“Now we need a new resolve: One Commitment to Fight Corruption. Corruption has stolen the youth’s future, widened inequality, and robbed this nation of integrity,”
said Jusuf Rizal during the movement’s launch in Jakarta.
He described Indonesia’s corruption problem as a national emergency, criticizing the weak anti-corruption commitment over the past decade, which has allowed governance to be ensnared by oligarchic interests and superficial reform.
The launch of the “People’s Gong Against Corruption” was marked by the symbolic beating of a gong by representatives from each organization — signifying the start of a national grassroots campaign, from villages and schools to public institutions.
The movement aims to go beyond symbolism, with the creation of Anti-Corruption People’s Volunteer Units (SARAK) in various regions. These units will encourage citizens to actively monitor public spending, government projects, and the distribution of social aid.
“The people must be the nation’s eyes and ears. If you see wrongdoing, report it. We will stand guard together. Don’t let corruptors dance on the people’s suffering,”
Jusuf Rizal asserted.
From “Golden Generation” to “Anxious Generation”
In his speech, Jusuf Rizal highlighted the need to nurture a young generation free from corrupt mentality. He stressed that Indonesia’s 2045 Golden Vision would be impossible if corruption remains embedded in society.
“A demographic bonus means nothing if our youth are corrupt, hedonistic, and pragmatic. That’s not a Golden Generation that’s an Anxious Generation,”
he said.
He also warned that global influences threaten national character through consumerism, instant gratification, and ideological distortions. For that reason, anti-corruption education and nationalism must be strengthened within schools and youth organizations.
Support for the Prabowo Administration
The movement also expressed moral support for President Prabowo Subianto’s agenda to combat corruption. Jusuf Rizal said that the new administration needs the people’s backing to cleanse remnants of past corruption and restore public trust.
“President Prabowo cannot walk this path alone. If he dares to fight corruption, the people must stand behind him. Indonesia doesn’t need traitors or plunderers of state wealth,” he stated firmly.
He added that the movement would serve as a moral pressure for all government officials from village administrations to ministries to stop misusing public funds.
A National Movement Begins
The beating of the “People’s Gong” marks the beginning of a series of nationwide activities scheduled through 2026, including anti-corruption journalism training, clean labor forums, regional youth declarations, and public oversight of national strategic projects.
“The spirit of the Youth Pledge must rise again this time with real action: the courage to say no to corruption,”
Jusuf Rizal concluded, receiving applause from participants. (R)
Reporter: Media Prime News Post Representative
Photo: Special / Google Documents
