MEDAN | INDATANEWS.COM - The North Sumatra Provincial Government (Pemprov Sumut) is calling on youth organizations to play a greater role in regional development. The provincial government views youth organizations, including the Indonesian Christian Youth Movement (GAMKI), as having an important role in strengthening social cohesion, encouraging youth participation and developing solutions to various challenges.
Acting Secretary of the
North Sumatra Provincial Government Timur Tumanggor made the statement while opening GAMKI's Intermediate Leadership Training on Friday, August 28, 2026, at the North Sumatra BPSDM Hall on Jalan Ngalengko in Medan.
On the occasion, Timur emphasized that the provincial government is providing opportunities for cooperation with youth organizations to jointly advance regional development. He said development could not be carried out by the government alone. Active public participation is also needed, particularly from the younger generation, which has the energy, ideas and ability to adapt to change.
"The
North Sumatra Provincial Government views
youth organizations as strategic partners in regional development. GAMKI's presence has contributed in various fields, from youth development and social activities to strengthening national values and serving the community," Timur said.
He considered these contributions an important foundation for GAMKI to further expand its role in society. Youth organizations can also provide spaces for character building and platforms for young people to develop leadership skills and a sense of social responsibility.
Youth as a Driving Force for Collaboration
Timur said North Sumatra increasingly needs young people who can serve as bridges for social cohesion. At the same time, the younger generation must become catalysts for collaboration and pioneers in finding solutions to current social problems.
According to Timur, today's challenges are not limited to social issues. Technological developments, economic dynamics, as well as changes in people's lifestyles and daily activities are creating new challenges that require young people to respond quickly.
Therefore, he urged participants in GAMKI's Intermediate Leadership Training to strengthen their adaptability while maintaining moral values and ethical principles in their activities within society.
Timur emphasized that adaptability is becoming increasingly important amid rapid change. The younger generation must not only possess knowledge but also be capable of understanding their surroundings, building communication, working with diverse groups within society and making responsible decisions.
At the same time, he urged GAMKI cadres not to limit themselves to the learning process during the training. The knowledge and experience gained must be applied in community life so that the presence of young cadres can provide tangible benefits to the public.
"Be people who can inspire those around you, and be role models of honesty, discipline, cooperation and compassion toward others," Timur told the training participants.
The message also underscores the importance of leading by example in youth leadership. Timur expressed hope that GAMKI cadres would demonstrate a positive attitude through concrete actions, both within the organization and in their interactions with society.
The younger generation, Timur said, plays a strategic role in creating a healthy social environment. Through honesty, discipline, a willingness to cooperate and social responsibility, young people can become a force that drives positive change in their communities.
GAMKI SUPPORT GOVERNMENT PROGRAMS: Chairman of the North Sumatra DPD GAMKI Swangro Lumbanbatu reaffirms GAMKI's commitment to supporting and accompanying the programs of the North Sumatra Provincial Government, as well as serving as a channel for conveying community concerns. (PHOTO: Imam Syahputra)
Strengthening Brotherhood and Religious Harmony
In addition to calling for greater youth participation in development, Timur urged GAMKI cadres to strengthen the spirit of brotherhood. He stressed that harmony among religious communities, as an important component of social cohesion in North Sumatra, must be continuously maintained.
In his view, North Sumatra's diversity is an important strength for the region. Therefore, all segments of the younger generation must contribute to maintaining relationships among different groups in society so that people can carry out their activities safely and without disruption.
Timur expressed hope that youth organizations could contribute to creating a harmonious social environment. Young people must also prioritize dialogue and cooperation when faced with differing views within society.
He called on all segments of the younger generation to build North Sumatra together as a home for everyone. Development must create a safe, peaceful and progressive environment while also providing young people with space to develop, grow and contribute their abilities.
Through stronger cooperation between the government and youth organizations, Timur hopes to secure broader public support for various development programs. At the same time, youth organizations can serve as partners that contribute ideas and recommendations based on the needs of communities in different regions.
This role is becoming increasingly important amid rapid social change. Young people are at the center of this development and are closely connected to technological advances and various changes in social life. This enables them to bring new perspectives to the way development challenges are viewed.
BUILDING AN ENGAGED YOUNG GENERATION: Participants in GAMKI's Intermediate Leadership Training take part in the cadre development program. The training is part of efforts to prepare a younger generation capable of contributing to regional development and community life. (PHOTO: Imam Syahputra)
GAMKI to Support Government Programs
Meanwhile, Chairman of the North Sumatra DPD GAMKI Swangro Lumbanbatu reaffirmed his organization's commitment to continuing to support government programs, particularly those of the North Sumatra Provincial Government.
Swangro said GAMKI does not want to be merely a youth organization focused on internal activities. Instead, GAMKI cadres must participate in community life and contribute to ensuring the region's sustainable development.
"GAMKI North Sumatra will continue to support the North Sumatra Provincial Government. We are ready to accompany and support government programs. We hope, and we must, become a voice for the people and a calming force. We must not become an obstacle in our respective regions. This is what we must put into practice. GAMKI remains a strategic partner," Swangro said.
The statement underscores
GAMKI North Sumatra's commitment to strengthening communication between the public and the government. Swangro urged cadres to listen to community concerns and convey them to the government in a constructive manner.
He also reminded GAMKI cadres to maintain a conducive and peaceful social climate in their respective regions. In his view, youth organizations must play a mediating and calming role when problems arise in society, rather than deepening differences or obstructing development.
This approach is in line with the
North Sumatra Provincial Government's desire to involve
youth organizations as strategic partners in regional development. The government needs the participation of various segments of society to ensure that development programs are implemented and benefit as many people as possible.
GAMKI's Intermediate Leadership Training also serves as a platform to strengthen the capacity of cadres to fulfill this role. Through the cadre development process, the organization can prepare a younger generation equipped with leadership skills, an understanding of social problems and the ability to work with various partners.
Cooperation between the
North Sumatra Provincial Government and GAMKI is expected to continue expanding. It should not be limited to supporting government programs but should also include an exchange of ideas and concrete participation in various social and community activities.
Ultimately, North Sumatra's development requires the collective strength of all stakeholders. The government, youth organizations and society can each assume responsibility according to their respective capacities to preserve social cohesion and create a conducive social environment.
The younger generation has a significant opportunity to become part of this process. Through integrity in leadership, adaptability, a strong spirit of brotherhood and social responsibility, young cadres are expected to make a tangible contribution to North Sumatra's progress.
(IDNC)REPORTER: Ahmad Zulfikar | EDITOR: Fik Sagala