Indonesia
Our nation is currently grappling with a range of public challenges that cut across nearly every sector of society. Among the many issues confronting the country, those involving the younger generation demand the most urgent attention. Young generation are a vital national asset who will shape the country’s direction and future. Yet recent developments point to a deeply troubling trend.
In the education sector, cases reflecting moral and ethical decline continue to surface. Students have displayed disrespect toward teachers, ranging from verbal abuse to acts of violence. Bullying and student brawls have become so frequent that they risk being perceived as routine. Even more alarming, reports of sexual harassment and inappropriate conduct within schools are on the rise. Social media has also become a stage where some female students openly display their bodies in pursuit of instant attention.
Compounding the problem, students’ motivation to learn appears to be waning. Many attend school without clear purpose, ignore dress codes and show indifference toward the learning process. They are often more familiar with social media celebrities or adult film actors than with national heroes. This situation not only reflects the shortcomings of the education system but also underscores weak supervision and character development within schools.
In the broader social sphere, juvenile delinquency has grown increasingly difficult to control. Free sex, teenage pregnancy, child marriage and inter-gang clashes remain recurring problems. In many cases, brawls end in avoidable fatalities. Even more distressing, the age of those involved in drug abuse continues to fall, with some still in elementary school. These developments should serve as a wake-up call.
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Firm but Wise Leadership
This phenomenon suggests a fundamental flaw in the current system of leadership and oversight. It highlights the need for decisive and courageous leadership leadership willing to take bold measures to safeguard the nation’s future. A firm, even “iron-fisted,” approach tempered by wisdom deserves serious consideration.
Why is firm leadership necessary? Because segments of society still show a tendency toward non-compliance when granted excessive freedom. Rules are often disregarded, and guidance resisted. Addressing this requires leaders capable of enforcing regulations consistently and decisively, without compromise when violations occur.
In shaping a disciplined and responsible generation, a degree of structured enforcement understood in a constructive sense may be required. Unchecked freedom risks disorder. Young people must be taught to understand the consequences of their actions, and that demands strong leadership.
Such a leadership model is not without precedent. During the New Order era under President Soeharto, despite its controversies, a strong culture of discipline was instilled across society. Students were required to memorize the names of national heroes and internalize the values of Pancasila. Nationalism was strongly promoted, and students were widely regarded as having high learning motivation.
More recently, observers point to early signs of a firmer approach under President Prabowo Subianto. The Indonesian Military (TNI) has reportedly been instructed to assist in tackling drug trafficking and juvenile delinquency. Drug syndicates are being pursued aggressively, while delinquent youths are detained and provided with guidance and rehabilitation.
Such policies merit appreciation and support. The country can no longer afford leniency toward issues that threaten its future. Young people must be taught discipline, responsibility and respect for parents, teachers and peers. Character education should be prioritized across educational institutions.
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However, firmness alone is insufficient. It must be accompanied by wisdom in implementation. Decisive leadership, when guided by prudence, ensures that every measure serves a clear and constructive purpose. Violence and abuse of power must be avoided. What is required is a balanced combination of firmness, justice and compassion.
Families also play a pivotal role in shaping children’s character. Strong leadership at the school and governmental levels must be complemented by sound parenting at home. Parents should serve as role models and ensure that moral and ethical values are instilled from an early age.
Social media, as a powerful influence on youth behavior, demands serious attention as well. Content that undermines moral development should be regulated, and digital literacy must be integrated into school curricula to help students use technology responsibly.
The nation can no longer remain passive while its younger generation drifts further into crisis. Every component of society government, schools, families and communities must work collaboratively to create an environment conducive to children’s development.
Firm and courageous leadership, when exercised wisely, can provide a strong foundation for building a resilient generation one that excels not only academically but also in moral integrity and social responsibility.
The future of the nation rests in our collective hands. There is no longer room for hesitation or half measures. It is time to act. Decisive leadership may prove crucial to safeguarding the next generation and securing a brighter future for Indonesia.
Author: Imam Alfafan Yakub
