In Nabire, Barisan Merah Putih (BMP) of Papua Tengah (Central Papua) joined Indigenous leaders in declaring their commitment to national solidarity ahead of the country’s 98th Youth Pledge Day, with a focus on preserving Indonesia’s national history and strengthening unity among young people. The Papua Tengah national unity declaration was part of a broader programme that combined a national seminar, the reading of a declaration and petition, and social assistance for local residents.
The activities were organized by the Papua Tengah Regional Leadership Board of Barisan Merah Putih of the Republic of Indonesia (DPD BMP RI Papua Tengah). The main seminar took place at the State High Senior School (SMA) YPPK Nabire on October 27, 2026, one day before Indonesia commemorated the Youth Pledge anniversary on October 28.
Led by DPD BMP RI Papua Tengah chairman Donatus Sembor, the event brought together representatives of the organization, Indigenous community figures, and other local stakeholders. The programme focused on the historical significance of the Youth Pledge, the importance of national identity in the digital era, and the responsibility of younger generations to contribute to development in Papua.
The declaration and petition were subsequently read under Sembor’s leadership, accompanied by representatives of BMP and Indigenous communities. The participation of customary leaders gave the event a distinctly local dimension, linking Indonesia’s national unity message with the cultural diversity and community structures of Papua Tengah.
Remembering the 1928 Youth Pledge
The historical message behind the event was rooted in the Youth Pledge of October 28, 1928, a landmark moment in Indonesia’s national movement. At that time, young people from different regions and backgrounds declared their commitment to one homeland, one nation, and one language: Indonesia.
The pledge came 17 years before Indonesia proclaimed independence in 1945. Its significance lies in the willingness of young people from across the archipelago to place a shared national identity above regional and ethnic differences. The movement helped establish a foundation for the broader struggle for independence.
For BMP Papua Tengah, the anniversary offered an opportunity to revisit that history and encourage young people to understand the circumstances that shaped Indonesia’s national identity.
Sembor said the seminar was organized out of concern that younger generations might become less familiar with the country’s historical journey, particularly the role played by youth movements before independence.
He argued that the political and social changes following the 1998 Reformasi era should not lead young people to lose sight of the historical experiences that shaped the nation.
According to Sembor, the Youth Pledge remains relevant because it demonstrates how unity can be built among people with different regional and cultural backgrounds. He stressed that the values expressed in 1928 should continue to inform the attitudes and responsibilities of today’s generation.
“Through this seminar, we want to remind young people of the nation’s history and instil patriotism and a spirit of youth participation in supporting development, particularly in an increasingly advanced digital era,” Sembor said, as reported by ANTARA News Papua.
His remarks placed historical awareness at the center of the programme, presenting the Youth Pledge not simply as an annual commemoration but as a source of values that can guide young Indonesians in contemporary society.
Digital Progress Must Be Accompanied by Historical Awareness
A key theme raised during the seminar was the influence of digital technology on younger generations. Social media, online information platforms, and rapidly changing communication habits have transformed how young people learn, interact, and understand the world.
Sembor said technological progress should not come at the expense of historical knowledge, cultural appreciation, or national character. He urged young people to use digital platforms constructively while maintaining an understanding of the country’s past.
He also warned against allowing the speed of technological change to weaken respect for the sacrifices made by previous generations.
“Young people should not be so absorbed in digital developments that they forget their own national history,” he said, according to RRI. He encouraged them to respect the struggles and sacrifices of those who came before them.
The message is particularly relevant in a region as culturally diverse as Papua. Young people are increasingly exposed to information from different sources and perspectives. Developing the ability to assess that information while retaining a strong understanding of local culture and national history is an important part of civic education.
The seminar therefore connected two issues that are sometimes discussed separately: technological literacy and national identity. Its central message was that progress in the digital era should be accompanied by stronger character, historical awareness, and a sense of responsibility towards society.
Sembor also called on young people in Papua Tengah to preserve local cultural values, honor national heroes, and contribute actively to regional development. He said patriotism should be reflected in constructive participation in society rather than remain limited to speeches or ceremonial events.
Indigenous Leaders Join the Declaration
One of the most significant aspects of the Nabire event was the involvement of Indigenous community representatives in the declaration and petition.
The reading was led by Sembor, accompanied by Richard Ruru, deputy chairman of the BMP branch in Nabire. Other participants included Karel Misiro, chairman of the Nabire Regency Indigenous Community Institution; Kenndy Kayukatui, a leader of the Umari tribe; and Gerki Waibusi, a leader of the Woa tribe.
Their participation reflected an effort to bring national unity discussions into direct engagement with local customary institutions. In Papua, Indigenous leaders hold important positions within community life, particularly in matters involving cultural identity, customary values, and relations among residents.
Their presence also gave the declaration a broader social foundation. Rather than being limited to an organizational activity, the programme involved figures representing different elements of the local community.
RRI reported that the participation of customary leaders was intended to strengthen togetherness and reinforce unity amid the diversity of Papua Tengah’s population.
The involvement of these figures is important because national identity and local cultural identity do not necessarily stand in opposition. Both can be maintained through respect for cultural traditions, community participation, and an understanding of shared civic responsibilities.
In this context, the declaration served as an opportunity to highlight the contribution that Indigenous institutions and community leaders can make to social cohesion and regional development.
The event also demonstrated the role of civil society organizations such as BMP in facilitating dialogue between national values and local community priorities.
Kapolda Attends National Seminar
The seminar was attended by Papua Tengah Police Chief (Kapolda) Brigadier General Jermias Rontini, S.I.K., M.Si., as well as representatives of women’s community groups, according to RRI’s report on the event.
The participation of the provincial police chief highlighted the involvement of regional stakeholders in an activity focused on national awareness and youth participation. It also brought a public security institution into a discussion centered on history, education, and community responsibility.
The seminar’s emphasis, however, extended beyond institutional attendance. Its organizers sought to encourage young people to translate the values of unity and patriotism into everyday conduct and practical contributions to their communities.
This approach is relevant to Papua Tengah’s wider development priorities. As a province with diverse communities and geographical challenges, its progress depends on the participation of different groups, including young people, customary institutions, local organizations, and public authorities.
Young people can contribute through education, entrepreneurship, cultural preservation, community service, and participation in local development programmes. These activities provide practical ways to express civic responsibility and help strengthen relationships across communities.
The event’s message was therefore directed not only at preserving historical memory but also at encouraging the next generation to take a more active role in shaping the region’s future.
Social Assistance Extends the Message Beyond the Seminar
Alongside the seminar and declaration, BMP Papua Tengah distributed basic-needs packages to members of the community. RRI reported that the assistance formed part of the organization’s effort to strengthen social concern and maintain closer relationships with residents.
The distribution of essential goods added a practical dimension to the commemoration. While the seminar focused on historical awareness and national identity, the social activity addressed immediate community needs and provided an opportunity for direct engagement between the organization and local residents.
It also reflected the organizers’ view that national solidarity should be demonstrated through everyday actions, including helping others and supporting people in the surrounding community.
For BMP, the Youth Pledge anniversary was intended to be more than a ceremonial event. Sembor and the organization hoped that its values would be reflected in daily life through respect for others, patriotism, cooperation, and participation in development.
This distinction is important. Public commemorations can attract attention for a short period, but their wider value depends on whether the ideas discussed are carried into community activities and individual behavior.
By combining a seminar, a declaration, and social assistance, BMP sought to connect historical reflection with practical engagement.
National Unity and Papua’s Development Agenda
The Nabire declaration comes amid continuing efforts to strengthen education, public participation, and development across Papua. Papua Tengah’s progress requires cooperation among government institutions, community organizations, Indigenous leaders, and younger generations.
In this setting, the Youth Pledge offers a historical reference for building cooperation across differences. Its message of unity can be applied to contemporary challenges, including improving access to education, expanding economic opportunities, preserving cultural heritage, and strengthening public services.
The participation of Indigenous leaders in the BMP declaration also highlights the importance of involving local communities in discussions about national identity and regional development. Policies and programmes are more likely to gain public understanding when they recognize local perspectives and respect the role of customary institutions.
For young people, the challenge is to turn the values of the Youth Pledge into tangible contributions. Historical awareness can provide a foundation, but it must be accompanied by access to quality education, opportunities to develop skills, and meaningful participation in community decision-making.
Organizations such as BMP can help support this process through sustained educational activities, dialogue with young people, and cooperation with local institutions. The distribution of social assistance can also be developed into more regular community programmes, provided that activities respond to residents’ actual needs.
The Nabire event therefore offers a useful example of how a national commemoration can be connected to local participation. Its significance will ultimately depend on whether the declaration leads to continued engagement beyond the anniversary itself.
Conclusion
The national unity declaration by Barisan Merah Putih Papua Tengah and Indigenous leaders in Nabire marked the 98th anniversary of Indonesia’s Youth Pledge with a message centered on historical awareness, patriotism, and shared responsibility for regional development. Through the seminar at SMA YPPK Nabire, the reading of the declaration and petition, and the distribution of basic-needs assistance, the organizers sought to translate the spirit of October 28, 1928, into practical community engagement. The involvement of Indigenous figures also pointed out the necessity of respecting local cultural identity while strengthening cooperation within Indonesia’s national framework. Moving forward, the real measure of the initiative will be its ability to inspire sustained youth participation, preserve Papua’s cultural heritage, and encourage constructive contributions to education, social welfare, and regional development. In this way, the values of the Youth Pledge can remain relevant not only as a part of Indonesia’s history but also as a foundation for a more cohesive and forward-looking Papua Tengah.
Read Also
Papua Youth Urged to Lead Unity and Peace
Three Papuan Youths at the 1928 Youth Pledge