#IYD2024: The fire has not been faded!

If the long stretch of history is looked back, there are groups of people who are the main actors in each period. They are the youth!

The youth hold the fire of change in their hands. Their spirit burns to ignite the darkness in every dark period on the stage of history. Take the events of the French Revolution in 1789, the massive demonstration of workers at the Haymarket Square in 1886, and the struggle for liberation in colonialism in every country, the youth movement was certainly present and active there.

Youth are those who can be defined in the age range of 18-35 years. They are in the best period of their growth and high mobility spirit. However, they are also the ones facing the vulnerable and challenging situation of high unemployment, low education, and poor working environment on the planet.

There is no other way out. The youth must remember the best achievements they have made in the long history of struggles of the oppressed peoples of the world that continue to this day, namely joining organizations and engaging in movements for change. It is important for youth to change their perspective that the welfare of society is always connected to collective struggle. Freedom is never given for free, it must be won and fought for together.

Today, in the face of a changing world. We can see the advancement of technology, robotization being applied in various ways, and industries constantly expanding. However, on the other hand, the ecosystem environment is degradation and wars are going on everywhere. The youth cannot be silent about this condition. Their role must be present to be the fire of change for a better future.

The youth is us.

Every August 12, a day for them is celebrated around the world. Don't let this be an empty celebration. Continue to fuel our struggle. Remember that the fire of the spirit has not faded away. It will keep lighting up the darkness and burning away all oppression and colonialism that afflicts humanity!

By: Muhammad Husain Maulana, SERBUK Indonesia  

Yogyakarta, August 12, 2024