In Karang Taruna Surabaya's Grand Meeting Forum, Minister of Social Affairs Inspires and Motivates Youth to Work Hard to Achieve Success

Surabaya (September 10, 2023) - Minister of Social Affairs Tri Rismaharini inspired and motivated Karang Taruna members in Surabaya. The Minister asked the youth not to be pessimist, work hard and be able to overcome various obstacles.

Only with hard work, success can be achieved. "No one can say I only graduated from high school, no way. We must be successful. No need to be ashamed, no need to be afraid. We have to be the pride of our parents and Indonesian nation," said the Minister when attending the Consolidation Meeting of Karang Taruna in Surabaya City at Balai Pemuda Surabaya (10/09).

Present at this activity, Surabaya Mayor Eri Cahyadi and Chairman of the Karang Taruna Surabaya Fuad Benardi. The event was also attended by hundreds of Youth Organization personnel, from the city level, sub-district level, village, RW and even RT level in the City of Heroes.

To the audience, the Minister emphasized that the journey to success is not an easy path. "But nothing big starts from big things. Something big must start from small," said Risma.

For this reason, it is important for youth not to waste the time given to us by God. Because the time that passes will never come back. "Young people who work hard. Pursue the opportunities given by God to everyone who wants to try," she added.

To prove her words, the Minister of Social Affairs had displayed several people with disabilities who had been successfully supported by assistance provided by the Ministry of Social Affairs. 

"Look at Gading. He is a person with multiple disabilities, using a three-wheeled motorcycle given by the Ministry of Social Affairs to sell his drinks, his turnover can reach one million a day. He can already buy a motorcycle for his parents, and has saving money of ten million," said Risma.

Furthermore, the Minister explained that people with disabilities are able to succeed because they have strong determination and never give up. Young people with complete physique also certainly have greater opportunities.

"Even those with limitations can be successful. Those who are physically intact, strong, have a higher chance of success. The important thing is that you never give up, it will not be called as Arek Suroboyo if you give up easily," said the Minister of Social Affairs, encouraging the youth who attended the Akbar Consolidation activity.

In line with the Minister of Social Affairs, Eri Cahyadi also encouraged the youth. According to him, Karang Taruna is an agent of change in Surabaya City. The proclamation of independence will never be realized if there are no youth in Rengasdengklok.

"Then Surabaya will never be free from poverty and ignorance if there is no Karang Taruna of extraordinary youth. Karang Taruna really coloured the successful journey of Surabaya City. If Surabaya wants to move for the better, the vanguard is the youth in Karang Taruna," he said.

On the same occasion, Fuad Benardi stated that he deliberately invited members of Karang Taruna in Surabaya so that they could find out what activities were often carried out by the city youth organization.  He reminded that the purpose of establishing Karang Taruna is for young people to think, act and work positively.

"Thus, it can reduce the level of youth crime today, such as the rampant brawls, gangs, and so on," he said.

One of the participants, Layla Fathania, admitted that she had gained many benefits during her 5 years in Karang Taruna. "Apart from adding friends and relationships, there are also many positive, productive, and useful activities for ourselves and the community," said the 28-year-old woman.

The Grand Consolidation activity is intended to actualize and express the potential of individuals and groups in improving the quality and independence of the organization for the community. The Great Consolidation is also to unite the diverse backgrounds of the community into positive energy.

This activity is one of a series of big agenda in the commemoration of Karang Taruna Month of Service (BBKT) 2023, in line with the anniversary of Karang Taruna's birth on September 26. This year is the 63rd anniversary of Karang Taruna.

This series of activities has begun to be held from August to the end of December 2023. In addition to the Great Consolidation alone, other activities are cheerful gymnastics, election of Youth Ambassadors, and other activities.