5 Indonesian Figures Who Bring the Sumpah Pemuda Spirit to the World

The Sumpah Pemuda (Youth Pledge), declared on October 28, 1928, was a foundational promise: One Motherland, One Nation, and One Language: Indonesia. This act of unity among diverse youth groups became the bedrock of the nation’s identity.

Today, the spirit of Sumpah Pemuda lives on, not just in memory, but in action—manifested by figures who use their global platforms to elevate Indonesia. Here are five figures, past and present, who embody this enduring pledge on the world stage.

1. Mohammad Yamin (The Architect of Unity)

Era: Historical (1928) Embodied Pledge: One Nation, One Language (Pledges 2 & 3)

Mohammad Yamin, a key figure in the Second Youth Congress, was the primary architect of the Sumpah Pemuda text. His role transcended regional interests (representing Jong Soematranen Bond) by pushing the revolutionary idea of a unified “Indonesian” nation and language.

Global Impact: His vision established the single linguistic identity (Bahasa Indonesia) that now connects over 280 million people. Without this commitment, Indonesia’s global engagement would be fragmented by hundreds of regional languages. His legacy is the unified voice Indonesia presents to the world.

2. Nadiem Makarim (The Modern Problem Solver)

Era: Contemporary Embodied Pledge: One Motherland (Pledge 1)

As the founder of Gojek (Indonesia’s first decacorn) and current Minister of Education, Nadiem Makarim represents the modern commitment to improving the “One Motherland” through technology and innovation.

Global Impact: Gojek’s creation demonstrated to the world that complex infrastructure problems in emerging economies could be solved by local talent. His innovation, which integrated millions of drivers and small businesses into a single, cohesive digital platform, showcases how collective advancement within Indonesia can achieve global recognition and success.

3. W.R. Supratman (The Unifying Voice)

Era: Historical (1928) Embodied Pledge: One Nation, One Language (Pledges 2 & 3)

Wage Rudolf Supratman’s contribution to the Sumpah Pemuda was the secret performance of the instrumental version of “Indonesia Raya.” Though played without lyrics to avoid Dutch censorship, the song was immediately felt as a powerful emotional symbol of unity.

Global Impact: The national anthem, “Indonesia Raya,” is the sonic identity of the nation. It is played at every international event, from diplomatic meetings to Olympic games, immediately communicating the spirit, patriotism, and unified existence of Indonesia to the world. Supratman gave the nation its binding sound.

4. Greysia Polii & Apriyani Rahayu (The Collective Conquerors)

Era: Contemporary Embodied Pledge: One Nation (Pledge 2)

As the Women’s Doubles Badminton team that won the gold medal at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, Greysia and Apriyani symbolize the power of collective effort overcoming regional differences for national glory.

Global Impact: Their victory was a pure display of Indonesian pride and determination. In a highly competitive global sport, they proved that when diverse Indonesian talents unite under the national flag, they can conquer the pinnacle of world achievement. Their success translates to global respect for Indonesia’s talent and disciplined national training.

5. Dita Karang (The Cultural Bridge)

Era: Contemporary Embodied Pledge: One Language, One Nation (Pledges 2 & 3)

Dita Karang, a member of the globally popular K-Pop group Secret Number, is a crucial contemporary figure who acts as a bridge between Indonesian identity and international youth culture.

Global Impact: As a global entertainer, Dita regularly uses her platform to promote Bahasa Indonesia and Indonesian culture to her millions of international fans. She embodies the confident, modern Indonesian youth who embraces global trends while proudly maintaining the “One Nation” identity, making Indonesian language and culture accessible, cool, and relevant to a massive worldwide audience.

These figures, separated by decades, are unified by the same simple yet profound commitment made in 1928: a collective dedication to the advancement, identity, and prestige of Indonesia on the world stage. Check out more articles only at Lenterabasa.com