"University students must have a global outlook, yet without neglecting our national character as an Indonesian. We must also firmly hold noble aspirations of our national founders as our frame of mind," he said.
Speaking at a public lecture organized by the Indonesian Islamic Studies Faculty Students Council Congress at Syarif Hidayatullah State Islamic University in Jakarta on Thursday, he opined that Indonesian youth, particularly university students, can play a crucial role in addressing COVID-19 and other national issues.
"We have a load of homework to improve our nation in the future," he remarked.
The COVID-19 pandemic has exposed vulnerabilities in many sectors, primarily in the healthcare sector, the DPD speaker noted.
Related news: Indonesian youth should uphold anti-corruption spirit: KPK chief
"Most health equipments are procured by importing from foreign countries, whilst our youth who exert their effort to produce domestic-made health equipment were not popularly recognized," Mattalitti said.
Distance learning also poses another issue in the education sector, since limitations of information and communication technology restrict students in remote areas, he said.
"The pandemic has also exposed the issues in our social sector; the government is struggling to properly distribute social assistance to residents as their database is not properly managed," the DPD speaker remarked.
University students must contribute to addressing national issues by conceiving breakthrough innovations and ideas, he said.
"University students, particularly students of Islamic universities in Indonesia, must participate to create breakthroughs for the nation," he added.
Related news: Time for youth to become leaders, win competitions: President Jokowi
Translator: Genta Tenri M, Nabil Ihsan
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
Copyright © ANTARA 2021
