Marking the 98th Youth Pledge Day, UIN Jakarta Reaffirms Commitment to Patriotism, Perseverance, and Empathy Among Young People

Jakarta, UIN News Online- UIN Syarif Hidayatullah Jakarta held a ceremony to commemorate the 98th anniversary of Youth Pledge Day. The ceremony, themed “Patriotic, Resilient, Empathetic: Youth for Indonesia,” was organized to strengthen the spirit of youth among the university community. The event took place at the UIN Jakarta Student Center Field on Wednesday (October 28, 2026).

The ceremony was led by UIN Jakarta Rector Prof. Asep Saepudin Jahar, M.A., Ph.D., alongside Vice Rector for General Administration Prof. Dr. Imam Subchi, M.A., and Vice Rector for Cooperation and Institutional Affairs Din Wahid, M.A., Ph.D. Other university leaders in attendance included UIN Jakarta Hospital Director dr. Syaifullah, MARS, MM, FISQua, FIHFAA; Head of General Affairs Dr. Arif Rahman, S.Th.I., M.P.; Dean of the Faculty of Da'wah and Communication Sciences (FDIKOM) Prof. Dr. Muhammad Maksum, S.H., M.A., M.D.C.; and the Dean of the Faculty of Sharia and Law (FSH).

Also attending were Dean of the Faculty of Social and Political Sciences (FISIP) Prof. Dr. Dzuriyatun Toyibah, M.Si., M.A.; Dean of the Faculty of Educational Sciences and Teacher Training (FITK) Prof. Siti Nurul Azkiyah, M.Sc., Ph.D.; Dean of the Faculty of Islamic Studies (FDI) Dr. Yuli Yasin, Lc., M.A.; Dean of the Faculty of Psychology Dr. Yunita Faela Nisa, M.Psi., Psychologist; and Dean of the Faculty of Adab and Humanities (FAH) Dr. Ade Abdul Hak, S.Ag., S.S., M.Hum., CIQnR. Other attendees included Student Activity Unit (UKM) Forum Chair Muhammad Raihan Azkiya, Student Qur'an Reciters Association (HIQMA) Chair Muhammad Haikal Hibrizi, and other members of the university community.

The Indonesian national flag, the Sang Merah Putih, was raised by members of the UIN Jakarta Student Regiment (Menwa) from the Student Activity Unit Forum. Serving as the ceremony's chief inspector, Rector Prof. Asep Saepudin Jahar invited the university community to reflect on the historic events of October 28, 1928. At that time, young people from diverse ethnic, religious, and regional backgrounds united in declaring one homeland, one nation, and a commitment to one unifying language.

“The Youth Pledge is not merely a historical record. It demonstrates that differences are not obstacles to unity but sources of strength in building the nation's future. The young people of that era showed that major change can begin when courage, aspirations, and national consciousness come together in a shared commitment,” he said.

In his speech, the rector noted that this vision of change aligned with the ceremony's theme, “Patriotic, Resilient, Empathetic: Youth for Indonesia.” The theme conveys three essential messages for the younger generation, particularly UIN Jakarta students, about developing the character needed to face the challenges of our time.

“Patriotism means loving one's country through concrete actions: studying diligently, working honestly, preserving unity, obeying the rules, and contributing to society and the nation. Resilience means refusing to give up easily. Failure must become a lesson, and limitations must be challenges that inspire innovation. Empathy, meanwhile, means caring about the hardships others face. Amid technological advances and global competition, we must not lose our sensitivity to social problems, inequality, environmental issues, and humanitarian concerns,” he explained.

Prof. Asep Saepudin Jahar also reminded students that young people today face increasingly complex challenges, including global economic uncertainty, advances in artificial intelligence, climate change, and environmental pollution. The consequences of environmental problems, including disasters occurring in various regions, call for greater concern translated into meaningful action.

“Indonesia needs a younger generation that excels not only in science and technology but also demonstrates integrity, a strong national identity, and social responsibility. This is where higher education institutions play a strategic role, involving students, lecturers, and educational staff alike. Campuses must serve as spaces for character development, leadership training, and youth engagement in community service. They must produce graduates who can compete while also making meaningful contributions to society,” he said.

In closing, Prof. Asep Saepudin Jahar emphasized that, as an Islamic higher education institution, UIN Jakarta is committed to advancing knowledge integrated with Islamic values, national identity, and humanity.

“We are also committed to producing graduates who are knowledgeable, principled, and capable of developing solutions to the nation's challenges. Therefore, I invite all UIN Jakarta students to translate the spirit of the Youth Pledge into meaningful actions in their academic and social lives. Let knowledge be a means of advancing the common good, strengthening our care for the environment, deepening our respect for human dignity, and reinforcing our courage to face challenges while driving progress for the nation, both today and in the future,” he concluded.

Meanwhile, Student Activity Unit Forum Chair Muhammad Raihan Azkiya told the university community that the Indonesian Youth Congress, held in Jakarta on October 27–28, 1928, produced a historic resolution.

“The conviction that the principle of unity must be embraced by all Indonesian national organizations. This sense of unity was reinforced by considering five fundamental principles: shared aspirations, history, language, customary law, education, and scouting,” he stressed.

The ceremony proceeded solemnly and was attended by dozens of members of the university community through its conclusion. Through the commemoration of the 98th Youth Pledge Day under the theme “Patriotic, Resilient, Empathetic: Youth for Indonesia,” UIN Jakarta reaffirmed its commitment to upholding the spirit of unity declared by Indonesian youth in 1928 while fostering patriotism, resilience, and empathy throughout its academic community. (Rizki Permata, Naswa Iqwalia, Hanif Az-Zaydan)