Universitas Indonesia (UI), through the Faculty of Humanities (FIB), in collaboration with the Office of the Senior Political Secretary of the Prime Minister of Malaysia, Diplo Muda Malaysia, and Malaysia Madani, held a scientific discussion themed “Empowering ASEAN: The Role of Malaysian and Indonesian Youth”, held at the Auditorium of Building I FIB UI Depok Campus, West Java. Hundreds of youth participants from Indonesia and Malaysia discussed the role of the younger generation in both countries in empowering ASEAN.
Dean of FIB UI, Dr. Bondan Kanumoyoso, S.S., M.Hum., said that the relationship between Indonesia and Malaysia had been established long before the two countries united under the umbrella of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). Therefore, this moment is expected to be able to strengthen the relationship between youth in both countries, the traces of which have existed since the trading period (1450-1680) in Southeast Asia. “We must know, respect, and support each other so that the relationship between the younger generation in both countries is not only due to geographical proximity, but also because of the same hopes in advancing the nation and state,” said Dr. Bondan.
The interconnectivity of the young generation of Indonesia and Malaysia was also highlighted by the Deputy Permanent Representative of Malaysia to ASEAN, Syed Edwa bin Syed Arif Fadhillah. According to him, in addition to strengthening relations between the two countries, young people within ASEAN can also contribute to the harmonization of regional and global policies, especially those concerning the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This is because young people from Indonesia and Malaysia are one of ASEAN’s mainstays in realizing sustainable development in the Southeast Asia region.
For this reason, at the scientific discussion, three speakers were present to review the role of the young generation of the two countries within ASEAN. The three speakers were the Political Secretary to the Finance Minister of Malaysia, Muhammad Kamil Abdul Munim; Ketua Dewan Pimpinan Pusat Garda Pemuda Partai Nasdem (Chairman of the Central Leadership Council of the Nasdem Party’s Youth Guard), Kevin Valentino Rouw; and Pimpinan Pusat Tunas Indonesia Raya Partai Gerindra (Chairman of the Central Leadership Council of Tunas Indonesia Raya of the Gerindra Party), Dr. Muhammad Atras Mafazi, M.M.
According to Kamil, the leadership of ASEAN 2025 will carry the concept of civil society to realize ASEAN Centrality. ASEAN must be independent in resolving regional issues and problems. For this, a civilized society is needed, upholding humanitarian values, and advancing in mastery of science and technology. A society with these values will provide more room for all groups, including the younger generation to take part in ASEAN.
Meanwhile, Kevin and Atras agreed that the world’s major civilizations have never been free from the voices of the younger generation. Therefore, to be on par with established regional organizations such as the European Union, ASEAN needs to hand over some of its affairs to the younger generation. “Most of the political processes that occur in ASEAN countries are pioneered by the younger generation. Historical records prove the position of the younger generation as agents of change. The events of the Youth Pledge, the Proclamation of Independence, and the 1998 Reformation cannot be separated from the burning spirit of the youth, demanding fundamental change,” said Atras.
This scientific discussion activity which was held on November 15 was also attended by the Senior Political Secretary to the Prime Minister of Malaysia, Shamsul Iskandar bin MD Akin. On that occasion, he conveyed the appreciation of the Prime Minister (PM) of Malaysia, Anwar Ibrahim, for the implementation of this activity. “The Malaysian PM consistently supports the involvement of the younger generation in ASEAN. The demographic structure of the two countries, which is dominated by young people, is an important asset in realizing regional stability. Hopefully, the figures of the founding fathers such as Soekarno and Tun Abdul Rahman will be the main role models for young people in advancing the nation and state,” said Shamsul.
