MEDAN | INDATANEWS.COM – Medan City Council member Rommy Van Boy has called on Indonesia's younger generation to deepen their understanding of Pancasila values and strengthen their sense of nationalism as a safeguard against the challenges posed by globalization and rapid digital transformation.
Speaking during a public outreach program on state ideology, national awareness, and the core values of Pancasila at Baronet Field on Jalan Starban,
Medan Polonia District, on Saturday (May 30, 2026), Rommy emphasized the importance of preserving national identity among
Generation Z and Generation Alpha.
The event was part of the official agenda of the Medan City Council and was organized under the council's consultative body program.
Strengthening Pancasila Understanding in the Digital EraAccording to Rommy, young Indonesians must have a comprehensive understanding of Pancasila, the 1945 Constitution, and the nation's development principles, as these serve as the foundation of Indonesia's statehood and social life.
However, he expressed concern that many members of
Generation Z and Generation Alpha possess only limited knowledge of the fundamental principles embodied in Pancasila.
"Every generation of this nation should understand the significance of Pancasila, the 1945 Constitution, and our national development guidelines. Unfortunately, many young people today are no longer familiar with the core values of Pancasila," Rommy said on the sidelines of the event.
He noted that technological advancements and the rapid flow of information through social media have significantly increased the influence of foreign cultures on young people. If left unaddressed, this trend could lead to what he described as "ideological amnesia," where future generations gradually lose touch with the nation's history and founding values.
Rommy stressed that a strong understanding of Pancasila is essential to maintaining social harmony in Medan, a city known for its ethnic, religious, and cultural diversity.
"National values must be taught intensively through interactive and meaningful dialogue. They should not be limited to memorizing texts in classrooms," he added.
PROMOTING NATIONAL AWARENESS:
Rommy Van Boy emphasizes the importance of strengthening young people's understanding of Pancasila and nationalism so that
Generation Z and Generation Alpha can preserve their identity amid globalization and digitalization. (PHOTO: Aminurasid)
Drugs and Online Gambling Threaten the Future Generation
Beyond ideological concerns, Rommy also highlighted the growing threats posed by drug abuse and online gambling, both of which are increasingly targeting young people.
He warned that these issues exploit adolescents during a critical stage of identity formation and could jeopardize the future of Indonesia's human resources.
"Protecting young people from the vicious cycle of drug abuse and online gambling is a concrete manifestation of national responsibility. Nationalism loses its meaning if our human resources are morally and financially destroyed by digital addictions and illegal substances," he said.
Addressing hundreds of participants and local youth representatives, Rommy urged communities to strengthen supervision and support within families and neighborhoods to prevent young people from falling into destructive behaviors.
Collective Action Needed to Safeguard Generation Z and AlphaRommy underscored that protecting the future of Generation Z and Generation Alpha cannot be accomplished by a single institution alone.
Instead, he called for stronger collaboration among the government, legislative bodies, educational institutions, and parents to address the challenges facing today's youth.
"The future of Generation Z and Generation Alpha cannot be entrusted to one institution alone. It requires collective cooperation between the government, parliament, educational institutions, and parents," said the chairman of Pemuda Pancasila in Medan Polonia District.
By strengthening ideological values while intensifying efforts against drug abuse and online gambling, Rommy expressed hope that young Indonesians would grow into globally competitive citizens without losing their national identity.
"We need a generation that can compete globally while preserving its Indonesian identity. That is why we must act now to protect the moral sovereignty and mental resilience of our nation for generations to come," he concluded. (IDNC)
REPORTER:
Darmailawati | EDITOR:
Fik Sagala