SERDANG BEDAGAI | INDATANEWS.COM - The Acting Regional Secretary of North Sumatra Province, Timur Tumanggor, has highlighted the strategic importance of the Scout Movement in shaping a young generation with strong character, discipline, independence, resilience and a sense of social responsibility.
In his view, Scouting must go beyond imparting knowledge and practical skills. Youth development should also instil the values of the Scout Promise (Satya) and Scout Law (Darma), enabling young people to apply these principles in their daily lives, whether at home, at school or within the wider community.
Timur delivered this message on Saturday, 31 October 2026, during the regional celebration of the 65th Scout Day in North Sumatra. Representing North Sumatra Governor Bobby Nasution, he led the ceremony at Alun-alun Square in Serdang Bedagai Regency, Sei Rampah District.
The event was attended by the Chairman of the North Sumatra Regional Scout Council (Kwarda), Dikki Anugerah Panjaitan; Chairman of the Terengganu State Scout Organisation in Malaysia, Shahrul Azwan bin Mohamad; Deputy Regent of Serdang Bedagai, Adlin Yusri Tambunan; several regional secretaries from across North Sumatra; heads of regional government agencies and organisations (OPD); and representatives of provincial and regency Scout councils.
Delivering the Governor's message, Timur stressed that Scout Day was an important occasion to raise awareness of the need to develop high-quality human resources in preparation for the region's future.
Regional Development Requires a Strong Foundation of Values
Timur explained that regional development could not rely solely on infrastructure improvements and economic growth. The government must also give priority to developing capable individuals with strong character, moral values, discipline, independence, a sense of responsibility and commitment to their homeland.
In this regard, the Scout Movement plays an important role as an institution for character development. It instils fundamental life values through practical experience, positive role models, community spirit and social engagement.
"This is precisely where the Scout Movement plays an important role as an educational institution that instils life values through experience, role models, community and active engagement," Timur Tumanggor said.
He emphasised that Scouting could provide an important foundation for preparing young people to face the challenges of social change. Through organisational involvement, various training programmes and community service, Scouts have opportunities to develop their leadership abilities while strengthening their sense of social responsibility.
SCOUT TRAINING INSTILS THE VALUES OF SATYA AND DARMA: The Acting Regional Secretary of North Sumatra, Timur Tumanggor, emphasises the importance of instilling the Scout values of Satya and Darma to develop a disciplined, independent and responsible younger generation capable of meeting the challenges of the digital age. (PHOTO: YT Hariono)
Scouts Must Address Digital Challenges Responsibly
Alongside character development, Timur highlighted the rapid advancement of digital technology, which offers young people significant opportunities to expand their knowledge, express their creativity and develop innovative skills.
At the same time, he warned that technological progress could also bring risks if young people failed to use digital platforms responsibly. Drug abuse, online gambling, bullying, intolerance and other harmful behaviours were among the threats that could undermine the future of the next generation.
Scouting must therefore equip its members with critical thinking, self-control, mutual respect and a strong sense of responsibility for their actions.
"That is why we need an educational approach that not only provides knowledge but also develops the ability to distinguish right from wrong, respect differences, exercise self-control and take responsibility for every action. The values of the Scout Promise and Scout Law must be genuinely practised in everyday life – within families, at school and in society," the Acting Regional Secretary added.
Timur further stated that the North Sumatra Provincial Government was committed to supporting the continued development of the Scout Movement as a strategic partner in strengthening human resources.
This commitment would be pursued, among other measures, by creating more opportunities for young people to develop their leadership abilities, creativity, digital skills and adaptability. However, these efforts must remain firmly rooted in national values and the spirit of mutual cooperation, known locally as Gotong Royong.
He also encouraged all Scouts to continue improving their individual abilities and making positive contributions to their respective communities.
"To all Scouts: keep learning, develop your abilities and remain actively involved in your communities. Be role models in honesty, discipline, unity and tolerance. Use your abilities to help others. Let us turn the spirit of the Scout Movement into a driving force for building a more caring society and strengthening social solidarity," he concluded.
SERDANG BEDAGAI PROMOTES SCOUT FRIENDSHIP BETWEEN INDONESIA AND MALAYSIA: Deputy Regent of Serdang Bedagai, Adlin Yusri Tambunan, welcomes the delegation from the Terengganu Scout Organisation in Malaysia. He hopes the Scout Day celebrations will further strengthen friendship and cooperation between the regions. (PHOTO: YT Hariono)
Serdang Bedagai Strengthens Scout Friendship Between Indonesia and Malaysia
Meanwhile, Deputy Regent of Serdang Bedagai Adlin Yusri Tambunan expressed his appreciation to the North Sumatra Regional Scout Council (Kwarda) for entrusting the Serdang Bedagai Regency Scout Council (Kwarcab) with hosting the regional celebration of the 65th Scout Day.
Adlin described the appointment as both a special honour and a responsibility for the Serdang Bedagai Regency Government in supporting and developing the Scout Movement.
He expressed hope that the event would not only strengthen organisational coordination but also provide Scouts and movement officials with opportunities to build friendships, exchange experiences and expand cooperation among Scout organisations and all stakeholders involved.
Adlin also paid special tribute to the delegation from the Terengganu Scout Organisation in Malaysia for attending the celebration. He said the presence of guests from the neighbouring country would help deepen friendly relations and create new opportunities for exchanging experiences in youth development.
"We hope this event will not only strengthen organisational coordination but also provide a platform for building friendships, exchanging experiences and expanding cooperation among Scout organisations and all parties involved in the Scout Movement.
"We are particularly pleased to welcome the delegation from the Terengganu Scout Organisation in Malaysia and extend our appreciation for its participation in the
65th Scout Day celebrations in Serdang Bedagai Regency. May today's event make a valuable contribution to strengthening the Scout Movement and developing the character of Indonesia's younger generation," Adlin said.
The regional celebration of the 65th Scout Day in North Sumatra also featured the presentation of awards to several Scout instructors and prominent figures from various regencies and cities across the province.
In addition, performances by Scout groups from several regencies and cities provided further highlights throughout the event. These presentations demonstrated the importance of the Scout Movement as a platform for nurturing young people, developing their creativity and strengthening the spirit of community and friendship.
Through the celebration, the North Sumatra Provincial Government expressed its hope that the Scout Movement would continue to make a significant contribution to preparing the next generation. Young people must not only possess the skills needed to keep pace with technological developments but also uphold integrity, tolerance, discipline and commitment to society. (IDNC)
REPORTER:
Ahmad Zulfikar | EDITOR:
Fik Sagala