Many things could be done to commemorate Sumpah Pemuda Day. Though there were various ways, it had the same meaning; creating the sense of nationalism. On 28th of October 2009, all Indonesian youth commemorated it, and so did the youth at UMM.
The UMM students, named themselves Aliansi Pemuda Indonesia, coordinated by the UMM BEM did an oration and meet with DPRD Kota Malang. On that day, thousands of students at Malang also met the Head of DPRD Kota Malang, Priyatmoko.
Edy, the coordinator, said that the youth had an important role as the agent of change. That Islamic Faculty student added that the government policies did not support the society. The ministries' salary increasing was the main rejection. According to him, it was not reasonable to have their salary increase, if the fund for education was still low. API also demanded the job field for the youth, revoked Badan Hukum Pendidikan, and maximazed the education for free.
Meanwhile, the Association of Indonesian Language and Literature department students gave flowers and attached their signatures. Took “Mewujudkan Bahasa Indonesia sebagai Jiwa dan Citra Bangsa" as the theme, the association members started it by clenching their hands and saying Sumpah Pemuda.
The Chief of the students association, Agung Nurdianto stated that this event would not only remind the youth about nationalism, but also do something for this nation. One of them was having the good and right Bahasa Indonesia. Nowadays, some of the youth used it wrong. They seemed shy to use the good and right Bahasa Indonesia. That was why sometimes they mixed the languages.
Agung added that many stores preferred to use foreign language than Bahasa Indonesia. Some big stores used 'Open' and 'Close' than 'Buka' or 'Tutup' in their entrance doors.
“Start appreciating and using Bahasa Indonesia," said he. And the youth should do it now. Agung gave an example that the area surrounded the office of Bahtera (students association) was made for Bahasa Indonesia area. Everyone had to use the good and right Bahasa Indonesia. (rka/t_ris)
