Youth is Served

We were in two minds in choosing the subject of our cover story for the August Weekender. Patriotic sentiments had us considering an examination of the face of Indonesia today for the August 17th independence commemoration.

But the future of Indonesia lies with the younger generation. We decided to set about profiling today’s Generation Now, looking at their lives, values and hopes and fears for the future.

For some young people, who are growing up wealthy in a decidedly more democratic Indonesia than of their parents’ youth, life really is beautiful. For those not blessed with parental largesse, or living far from urban centers like Jakarta, reaching their dreams figures to be more of a struggle.

It is indeed a unique and more “connected” generation in every way. Many young Indonesians, thanks to the Internet and other technology, are tapped into the youth culture of their international peers, and afforded opportunities that their parents never dreamed of.

Along with all the opportunities comes temptation and responsibility. Yet some of us may be surprised to learn that not only are their elders worried about the future – the kids also express their alarm at corruption, poverty and the scarcity of jobs. Although I said goodbye to my youth a very long time ago, after reading the stories of the young people here I realized that it’s up to us to serve them well – and leave them a worthwhile future.



( Bruce Emond )

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