TULUNGAGUNG – National Awakening Day, or Harkitnas, should encourage young Indonesians to compete through achievement, innovation, and financial independence, a Tulungagung official said on Tuesday.
Achmad Mugiyono, head of the Tulungagung Youth and Sports Agency, said modern youth must respond to current challenges with skills, creativity, and strong personal development. He stressed that young people now play a major role in shaping Indonesia’s future.
According to Mugiyono, the meaning of struggle has changed since the national awakening movement began in 1908. Young Indonesians no longer fight through physical resistance. Instead, they now compete through education, innovation, entrepreneurship, and professional achievement.
“Harkitnas was born from the spirit of students and young people in 1908,” he said. “For 2026, I hope students and youth become more motivated to improve their achievements.”
He explained that success today should not rely only on academic performance or formal sports competitions. Young people, he said, have wider opportunities to grow through entrepreneurship, creative industries, and community activities.
“They can develop their potential through entrepreneurship and positive activities,” Mugiyono added. “Young people can also strengthen the creative economy.”
Mugiyono also praised the achievements of Tulungagung youth in national and international competitions. He said many local athletes have represented Indonesia in several popular sports and brought recognition to the region.
According to him, Tulungagung has produced talented athletes in cycling, football, volleyball, and road racing. Their accomplishments reflect the same fighting spirit shown by earlier generations during Indonesia’s national awakening era.
“In the national sports arena, many athletes from Tulungagung now represent Indonesia,” he said. “They continue to develop their talents and inspire other young people.”
He believes the younger generation must continue improving their abilities to remain competitive in a rapidly changing world. Furthermore, strong determination, discipline, and innovation are now essential for success.
Indonesia commemorated National Awakening Day on May 20. Since then, the annual event has continued to remind people about the importance of unity, education, and national progress.
Local officials hope the momentum can motivate young Indonesians to become more creative, independent, and productive. They also expect youth to contribute positively to society and support the country’s economic growth through innovation and entrepreneurship.