Lahadalia encouraged the younger generation to seize opportunities offered by extensive access to knowledge. The minister delivered the statement at the Maranatha Christian University in Bandung, West Java, on Thursday, January 12.
"I ask (fellow students) to adopt a broader point of view. Do not just dream of becoming civil servants, employees, or member of the national defense force, national police force. Instead, be entrepreneurs, who are able to make an actual contribution in creating jobs and reducing the unemployment rate in Indonesia. Indonesian universities must not become a factory for unemployed intellectuals," the minister noted in a statement received here on Friday.
Lahadalia also recounted his past struggle in pursuit of knowledge in Papua, given all its issues and challenges.
The minister encouraged the younger generation to take part in national development by becoming entrepreneurs and expediting job market in Indonesia.
"Currently, there are seven million unemployed people in this country. The (job market) is only able to take 2.9 million workers each year. Therefore, we must encourage private sector investment to create jobs," the minister remarked.
On the same occasion, Chairman of Taruna Merah Putih Maruarar Sirait stressed the importance of instilling great values in today's youth.
He also invited the younger generation to build networks from an early age, so they could keep up with opportunities presented in the future.
"If it is possible, (fellow students) to start joining organizations. Whatever you want, go ahead; because networking is important. Whatever the belief, ethnicity, or race backgrounds, we must be a generation, who has the true Pancasila spirit. If we become entrepreneurs, it is better to lose money but still be trusted, rather than making profits from deceiving people. Young people must think great and have good values instilled from an early age," he stated.
Rector of Maranatha Christian University Prof. Ir. Sri Widiyantoro expected that the campus would be able to create people with good quality, who could contribute to national progress.
"I, on behalf of the Maranatha Christian University family, am very grateful that you are willing to come today. I hope that you will not hesitate on coming again to give new enthusiasm and energy, not only to students but also to the lecturers and rector," he affirmed.
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Translator: Ade Irma Juanda, Mecca Yumna
Editor: Sri Haryati
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