The Youth Pledge (Indonesian: Sumpah Pemuda), was a declaration made on 28 Oktober 1928 by young Indonesian Nasionalist at a conference in the then-Dutch East Indies. They proclaimed three ideals, one motherland, one nation and one language.
Background[]
The first Indonesian youth congress was held in Batavia, capital of the then-Dutch East Indies in 1926, but produced no formal decisions but did promote the idea of a united Indonesia.
In October 1928, the second Indonesian youth congress was held at three different locations. In the first session, the hope was expressed that the congress would inspire the feeling of unity. The second session saw discussions about educational issues. In the third and final session, held at Jalan Kramat Raya No, 126, on October 28 participants heard the future Indonesian national anthem Indonesia Raya by Wage Rudolf Supratman.
The congress closed with a reading of the youth pledge.
The pledge[]
In Indonesian, with the original spelling, the pledge reads:
Pertama Kami poetera dan poeteri Indonesia, mengakoe bertoempah darah jang satoe, tanah air Indonesia. Kedoea Kami poetera dan poeteri Indonesia, mengakoe berbangsa jang satoe, bangsa Indonesia. Ketiga Kami poetera dan poeteri Indonesia, mendjoendjoeng bahasa persatoean, bahasa Indonesia.
In English:
Firstly We the sons and daughters of Indonesia, acknowledge one motherland, Indonesia. Secondly We the sons and daughters of Indonesia, acknowledge one nation, the nation of Indonesia. Thirdly We the sons and daughters of Indonesia, uphold the language of unity, Indonesian.
Congres of Youth Indonesia[]
- Chairman: Sugondo Djojopuspito (PPPI)
- Vice Chairman: R.M. Joko Marsaid (Jong Java)
- Secretary: Muhammad Yamin (Jong Soematranen Bond)
- Treasurer: Amir Sjarifudin (Jong Bataks Bond)
- Aide I: Johan Mohammad Cai (Jong Islamieten Bond)
- Aide II: R. Katjasoengkana (Pemoeda Indonesia)
- Aide III: R.C.I. Sendoek (Jong Celebes)
- Aide IV: Johannes Leimena (Jong Ambon)
- Aide V: Mohammad Rochjani Su'ud (Pemoeda Kaoem Betawi)