USU PR – In a solemn atmosphere, Universitas Sumatera Utara (USU) held a ceremony commemorating the 97th Youth Pledge Day at the courtyard of the USU Rectorate Bureau on Tuesday (10/28/2025). Carrying the theme “Youth in Action, Indonesia United,” the ceremony was led directly by the Vice Rector I of USU, Dr. Muhammad Arifin Nasution, S.Sos., M.SP., as the ceremony supervisor.

Dr. Muhammad Arifin Nasution, S.Sos., M.SP., read the address of the Minister of Youth and Sports of the Republic of Indonesia, Erick Thohir, which invited the younger generation to remember the courage of the youths who pledged to fight for Indonesia’s independence and unity. Through knowledge, hard work, and honesty, he assessed that today’s young generation can continue the struggle of previous generations with the same goal—upholding Indonesia and never giving up.
“We no longer raise sharpened bamboo spears. Instead, we raise knowledge, hard work, and honesty. However, the meaning remains the same: Indonesia must stand tall,” he stated.

Dr. Muhammad Arifin Nasution, S.Sos., M.SP., emphasized the importance of continuing to believe in the spirit and capabilities of the younger generation in every village and city. Even as the world moves rapidly, resilient, courageous, patriotic, persistent, and empathetic youth can become the strength of the nation in advancing Indonesia.
“Because in every village and city, there are still Indonesian youths who are honest, resilient, and courageous—that is the strength of our nation,” he explained.

On the same occasion, Dr. Muhammad Arifin Nasution, S.Sos., M.SP., also highlighted a statement from the President of the Republic of Indonesia, Prabowo Subianto, encouraging young people to always dare to dream big and not be intimidated by failure. The younger generation is not merely a complement to history, but also the determinant of the next chapter of history. Therefore, the spirit of struggle must be continuously upheld to prove that Indonesia is a great nation.
“You are not a complement to history; you are the determinants of the next history,” he said.

Responding to the theme “Youth in Action, Indonesia United,” the Vice Rector III of USU, Prof. Dr. Poppy Anjelisa Zaitun Hasibuan, S.Si., M.Si., Apt., stated that USU has integrated the spirit of cross-sector collaboration into its Outcome-Based Education (OBE) curriculum approach. Through OBE, USU believes that students will also be able to make tangible contributions in various fields. In addition, USU is currently implementing the Kampus Berdampak program, which directs every tridharma activity at USU to provide direct benefits to society.
“Student activities carried out by USU must also involve cross-disciplinary collaboration and deliver the greatest possible benefits to the community,” she said.

Prof. Dr. Poppy Anjelisa Zaitun Hasibuan, S.Si., M.Si., Apt., expressed her hope that USU students will continue to strengthen their integrity so as not to be outpaced by Artificial Intelligence (AI). She emphasized that honesty, integrity, and empathy must be possessed by every student, in addition to their academic skills.
“Honesty, integrity, and empathy—these must all be possessed by students,” she concluded.