We do not want to be merely the target market for foreign productsJakarta (ANTARA) - Speaker of the House of Representatives (DPR RI) Puan Maharani pressed for giving greater attention to Indonesian youngsters that would be the successors of the nation-building process.
"At present, Indonesia's younger generation has delivered many achievements that make us proud," Maharani stated during the Annual Session of the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR RI) and the Joint Session of the DPR RI and the Regional Representatives Council (DPD RI) at the Parliament Complex here, Tuesday.
The Indonesian youth recorded varied achievements in the science, technology, digital, arts and culture, and sports sectors, she pointed out.
The speaker stated that efforts to boost access and opportunities for Indonesian youngsters to develop themselves must be intensified to allow the younger generation to receive education at all levels and bolster vocational capabilities and entrepreneurship opportunities.
Apart from facilitating youth development, Maharani also highlighted the need to enhance food productivity, industry, and the farmers' welfare.
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She expressed hope that Indonesia would no longer reel from cooking oil scarcity, especially when it is the largest producer of crude palm oil at the global level.
"We do not want to be merely the target market for foreign products. We must achieve self-sufficiency in the economic sector through our national industry," the DPR RI speaker affirmed.
The government and the parliament harbor a common vision that Indonesians must not merely become a coolie in their own country, she emphasized while adding that every Indonesian must be proud of domestic-made products as an expression of support to national industries.
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Moreover, Maharani deemed it crucial for all elements of the country to build national strength in tackling world challenges, such as geopolitical conflicts and global monetary pressures.
"It is very important for all of us, all stakeholders and the people of the country, to build our national strength," Maharani stated.
Maharani explained that national strength can be built by raising awareness, will, and joint commitment from all of the nation's elements, which comes from a sense of love for the Indonesian nation.
With the national ideology of Pancasila and motto of Bhinneka Tunggal Ika, or Unity in Diversity, she affirmed that commitment and awareness in tackling challenges together can be built, thereby advancing Indonesia in all aspects.
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Translator: M Zulfikar, Nabil Ihsan
Editor: Fardah Assegaf
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