Poor Role Models, The Youths are Now More Exposed to a Culture of Corruption and Lack of Integrity

Pragmatism, hedonism, and individualism have become alarming threats to the nation’s youth. This understanding can threaten the role of youths as pillars of character development and of Indonesian civilization. Bung Karno once said that a thousand parents can only dream, but one young man can change the world, which emphasizes the importance of youths in a country’s progression.

This topic was discussed in depth in the Bung Karno Podcast Series with Prof. Dr. Hamdi Muluk, M.Sc. which aired on the BKN (National Civil Service Agency) PDI Perjuangan (Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle) Youtube channel, hosted by Anang Setia and Esti Marina on Sunday (4/6/2023).

“Bung Karno once stated he wanted to improve the characteristics of Indonesian society completely. He stated that nation-building is, in fact, character building and that Indonesian people must have a white heart, a steel mind, and a burning spirit like an eagle," said the Professor of the University of Indonesia.

Hamdi Muluk heavily emphasized one must never become a youth with a lazy soul. Young people should have a pure white heart by upholding integrity, honesty, responsibility, and trustworthiness. The political psychologist stressed that possessing a steel mentality must be accompanied by an unyielding work spirit and a strong work ethic.

“When integrity has been built and work ethic has been put to work, but aren’t framed by a spirit of solidarity and unity, then we may progress as individuals but not as a nation. Meaning that nationalism and cooperation are needed as well," he further explained.

For Hamdi, a meritocratic culture is an effort to fight against pragmatism, hedonism, and individualism. People should be rewarded according to the hard work they’ve done, and given punishments equal to their mistakes.

“Right now, everything has been switched, we praise people who don't work hard and we don’t appreciate honest people. We should not worship mere materialism, since it may look cool on the surface, but it is still the result of corruption. the essence of success should not be discerned only from its physical appearance,” said Hamdi.

Hamdi explained that when success comes from hard work, then the person will be wise in appearance and have good mental resilience. A person will appreciate his life more by not behaving recklessly.

“As Minang people say, don't be someone who looks smart in a labuah ( street). Which refers to people who like to dress up outside as if they’re wealthy for the sake of looking flashy, even when their household is a mess, their debts piling up, and so on," joked Hamdi.

At present, according to Hamdi, Indonesia lacks appropriate role models for the youth, unlike in the past. The sad thing is that currently young people are only shown a large amount of corrupt behavior from politicians. No longer exists idealistic young figures like Bung Karno, Bung Hatta, Tan Malaka, Sutan Sjahrir, and so on who could now become role models.

“However, the most important thing is not being biologically young, but what’s important are the mindset and character of being unafraid of death, wanting to dream, willing to work hard, and willing to cooperate. What's the point of being young at 20 years old but not having the mindset of a young person with a white heart, steel mentality, and a fiery passion, right?” he concluded.

Watch in full on the BKN PDI Perjuangan Youtube Channel