We all have to realize that we were born differently.
Jakarta (ANTARA) - Indonesia’s youngsters can be the main agents for bolstering the love for diversity in the country, according to the Education, Culture, Research, and Technology Ministry.

"Young people are the hope and the leaders of the movement to develop a love for diversity," acting head of the Center for Character Strengthening of the ministry, Hendarman, said during a virtual talk show entitled “Embracing the Differences, Loving the Diversity” on Thursday.

Indonesia is very rich in diversity, thus all Indonesian people must acknowledge and be grateful for this condition, he added. The nation’s diversity lies in various aspects, including natural resources, human resources, as well as cultural and social aspects.

In accordance with the country's national motto of “unity in diversity” or Bhinneka Tunggal Ika, all Indonesian people need to realize that diversity must become a strength to advance and develop the nation, he said.

This is because the nation’s diversity will encourage collaboration between various parties, especially in the midst of current dynamic developments, the official added.

"We all have to realize that we were born differently. For example, I was born in Sumatra, then grew up in Bali, whose culture was different. Some were born in privileged (families), but some were born in underprivileged (families). Some have a high level of intelligence, however, some do not. We have to consider all of it as advantages," he remarked.

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He said that differences should enable people to collaborate as they can never reach success alone.

“If we are selfish, do not want to greet other people, and shut ourselves up, of course, we will not be able to (succeed). We can get more and better opportunities if we can establish togetherness with our colleagues," he added.

Hence, to create a more advanced Indonesia in the future, the younger generation, which comprises the nation's future leaders, must love the diversity of the country more, Hendarman said.

"Thus, I hope that young people in Indonesia implement tolerance, uphold solidarity and mutual cooperation, as well as become the role models of Pancasila (Indonesia’s five national principles), students who embody six values," he added.

The six values consist of adhering to faith, fearing God Almighty and having noble character, maintaining global diversity, implementing mutual cooperation, being independent, having critical reasoning, and being creative, he said.

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Translator: Suci Nurhaliza, Uyu Liman
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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