"This is a strong foundation of President Joko Widodo's administration, which is to make human resource development one of the five priority agendas toward Advanced Indonesia," he observed during a public lecture at the Indonesian Christian University (UKI) Toraja, South Sulawesi, on Tuesday.
Youths with leadership skills are needed to face the demographic bonus challenges, he said.
In 2030–2040, Indonesia's productive age population will account for 64 percent of the nation’s total population of 297 million.
Given the productive population, Indonesia will have the opportunity to become a developed country with higher income per capita.
Moeldoko advised young people not to be afraid to become leaders. "Be a leader, don't be a follower," he remarked.
To become a leader, he said, one must have the courage to take risks, face changes and challenges, and ignore insults from others.
According to him, the government has continued to develop the quality of human resources, not only in terms of education, but also public welfare and health.
In relation to that, the government is striving to reduce the rate of extreme poverty and stunting caused by chronic malnutrition.
"Regarding education, the government has prepared the Smart Indonesia program for elementary to high school levels, and the Smart Indonesia Card (KIP) for college students. Make use of government facilities properly and do not abuse them," he said.
The KSP chief also urged young people to become aware of and understand current national issues, as Indonesia is facing global challenges, such as the threat of energy, food, and financial crises.
"By understanding the complexity of the country's problems, I believe young Indonesians can provide solutions and innovations. For this reason, this year, I re-open the Presidential Staff School as a space for young people to learn what the country is facing," he announced.
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Translator: Indra P, Kenzu
Editor: Azis Kurmala
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