Indonesia commemorates Youth Pledge Day every October 28. This commemoration reminds us that youth unity is a vital foundation in building the nation. In 1928, young people from various regions united with one resolve, one motherland, one nation, and one language. This spirit emphasizes that communication, both verbal and nonverbal, serves as an important means to unite differences in cultural, linguistic, and regional backgrounds.
The same spirit of unity is now reflected in the works of young Indonesians in the film industry. The animated film Jumbo, produced by Visinema Studios, made history as the first animated feature to be nominated for Best Feature Film at the 2025 Indonesian Film Festival (FFI). In addition, the film also received nominations in other categories, including Best Animated Feature, Best Director, Best Original Screenplay, Best Music Director, and Best Original Song. This achievement demonstrates exceptional production quality and affirms that Indonesian animated films are now capable of competing in major categories.
The success of Jumbo also shows that Indonesia’s creative industry serves as an important platform to convey ideas, values, and national culture through creative and inclusive communication. In the spirit of the Youth Pledge, this film proves that Indonesian youth have the ability to utilize media and technology as tools to express aspirations, strengthen unity, and promote national identity in the modern era. Through this achievement, Jumbo not only entertains but also symbolizes how communication, creativity, and cross-cultural collaboration can bridge differences and reinforce national unity.
The achievement of Jumbo illustrates that Indonesian youth can harness creativity and communication to unite diversity and spread positive values. This work aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), specifically Goal 4: Quality Education, Goal 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure, and Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities, which encourage innovation, cross-cultural collaboration, and the development of inclusive communities. The spirit of the Youth Pledge continues to inspire the younger generation to create, communicate, and strengthen national unity.