The Importance of Youth in Political Participation

The young generation is a strong pillar of a country because one of the progress of a country is determined by the young generation, the participation of the young generation in national development will bring their country towards betterment. It is undeniable that a young soul is a soul full of enthusiasm, a soul that has a moodboster ammunition, a soul full of strong ambitions to move forward, there is a song to act a young soul with a song "youth, fiery times". Even in his speech the proclamatory, namely Soekarno once said "give me 10 young men I will shake the world".

What is young generation? the young generation is a long-term human resource as a candidate for the next generation who will replace the current generation. The definition of Youth is those aged 16 to 30 years. Youth is a period of biological and psychological development. In addition, youth always have aspirations that are different from the aspirations of society in general. In a positive sense these different aspirations are called the spirit of creative and innovative reformers. Youth should play an active role as a moral force, social control, and agents of change in all aspects of national development, for example by arousing a critical attitude towards the policies of a government, also being able to play an active role as agents of change by gaining political education and democratization. in order to become a more innovative agent brings greater change and provides many benefits to society and the country.

Politics is the art and science of gaining power in a constitutional and non-constitutional manner. In addition, politics can also be viewed from different point of view, namely: politics is an effort taken by citizens to realize the common good (Aristotle's classical theory). The definition of politics in simple terms is a theory, method or way of influencing civilians or individuals. The point is to gain a power to lead or implement a rule in a government that is suitable and for the common good for the advancement of a region, political science is needed, because from there we can organize innovative ways, clean efforts to gain power, and at the same time can provide political education for the community.

The pioneering youth have appeared in one of the determining forces for the progress of the nation, they are an intellectual group and have high ideals because of their age and development which are selfless and self-sacrificing. So, with the distinctive spirit of youth, the two historical events were born and became a witness to the spirit of youth who were not only silent and idle but also directly involved in making a real contribution to the progress of the nation. Reflecting on the history of the nation on the role of youth who are not only standing by in achieving their goals, but making a real contribution to the nation, this should also be done by our youth in order to continue the struggle to achieve the ideals of the nation.

Youth and politics are two inseparable elements or parts in the development of a nation, because from that side our youth can contribute to national development because the current generation will not always survive. There must be a replacement generation that is mature and more innovative in building the nation. By entering the youth into politics, it is hoped that it will bring changes in our democracy for the better. The active role of youth as agents of change is manifested by developing one of them is political education and democratization. So, it is appropriate for the younger generation to take part in national development in an effort to carry out political education, with the aim of realizing a better political system.

Youth are agents of change in a country, and their participation in politics is expected to bring about changes in our democracy, and if on the other hand our youth are apathetic and indifferent to politics and government policies, our country will undoubtedly forever be running in place, therefore the need for the participation of young people to make Indonesia a country that is respected on the world stage.