UPN Veteran East Java Students Train Youth Organization Members in Leadership and Problem-Solving

SURABAYA, JurnalPost.com — Leadership skills are not only required by those holding formal organizational positions. Every member needs the courage to make decisions, express opinions, and seek solutions when facing collective challenges.

Driven by this perspective, students from the Universitas Pembangunan Nasional (UPN) “Veteran” East Java organized an event titled Leadership for Youth: Shaping a New Generation of Leaders together with members of the Gang Mawar Karang Taruna, known as the “Pemuda Kampung Pojok” (Pojok Village Youth).

The event, which adopted the concept of “Lead to Solve,” took place on Saturday, 3 October 2026, at 10.00 WIB, in Kemlaten Baru Barat, Gang Mawar, Karangpilang District, Surabaya.

The program was designed to help Karang Taruna members develop leadership capabilities, particularly in addressing and resolving various issues that arise within organizational life.

This activity is part of the coursework for the Leadership Class G466 taught by Prof. dr. Hj. Rika Yuliwulandari, M.Hlt.Sc., M.MB., Ph.D., Sp.KKLP., Subsp.FOMC.

The students involved in Group 8 include Khafif Ramadhan, Mita Wijayanti, Nailul Izza Wulan Ramadhani, Nahdah Amalia Mumtaz, Ferry Aditya P., and Maylia Eka Viradilla.

Learning to Solve Organizational Problems

One of the primary focuses of this event was strengthening problem-solving skills. The material was presented by Nailul Izza Wulan Ramadhani and Nahdah Amalia Mumtaz through discussions on various situations frequently encountered in youth organizations.

Issues such as miscommunication between members, low participation in activities, differences of opinion, uneven distribution of tasks, and limitations in time and budget were among the case studies discussed with participants.

Through this material, Karang Taruna members were encouraged to understand that a leader does not merely provide direction. Leaders must also listen to others' opinions, understand the root of the problem, and determine a resolution that is acceptable and actionable for the group.

Participants were introduced to systematic problem-solving steps, ranging from identifying the issue, tracing the cause, gathering information, and drafting alternative solutions, to determining the most appropriate course of action.

These steps also include implementing the solution and evaluating whether the decision made effectively resolved the problem.

“Through this material, we want to invite our friends in Karang Taruna to understand that solving problems cannot be done by making hasty decisions. We need to know the root cause, listen to other members' opinions, and find a solution that can be implemented together,” said one of the presenters.

This approach is expected to help Karang Taruna members face organizational issues with more openness, focus, and an emphasis on teamwork.

Interactive Quiz to Test Understanding

Following the presentation session, participants tested their understanding through an interactive quiz using the Quizizz platform.

The session, led by Mita Wijayanti and Maylia Eka Viradilla, featured a series of questions related to leadership and problem-solving that had been previously discussed.

Through this quiz, participants did not just listen to explanations but also had the opportunity to recall and apply the knowledge they had gained.

The learning atmosphere became more interactive as participants actively engaged in answering each question.

As a form of appreciation for their participation, the committee awarded prizes to the three Karang Taruna members who achieved the highest scores.

Revano secured first place, followed by Alvin as the second-place winner, and Fauzan in third place.

The prize distribution was part of the students' efforts to boost participant enthusiasm while rewarding their engagement throughout the event.

Encouraging Youth to Be More Active in Organizations

Through the Lead to Solve program, UPN “Veteran” East Java students aimed to emphasize that leadership can be built from one's immediate environment, including youth organizations at the community level.

The ability to manage differences of opinion, build good communication, and make responsible decisions is an essential asset for the younger generation in carrying out organizational activities.

As a hub for youth activity, Karang Taruna plays a role in shaping the character of its members through experiences in teamwork, activity planning, and facing various challenges in the community.

Therefore, the lessons on leadership and problem-solving are expected to extend beyond the presentation, being applied as Karang Taruna members carry out their daily organizational programs.

For the organizing students, this activity served as an opportunity to implement the knowledge gained during their studies through direct interaction with the community.

Through this collaboration, students and Karang Taruna members were able to learn from one another about the importance of communication, responsibility, and cooperation in facing challenges.

The event demonstrated that developing leadership qualities can be achieved through simple approaches that are close to the participants' experiences and relevant to the challenges they face in organizational life.

With these skills, members of the “Pemuda Kampung Pojok” are expected to be more confident in expressing ideas, taking on roles in social activities, and contributing positively to their surrounding environment.