National leaders should fully comprehend and know what to do to bring this country to progress
Jakarta (ANTARA) - President Joko Widodo encouraged the academic community of the Muhammadiyah University of Purwokerto (UMP) to properly prepare quality human resources as an effort to welcome Indonesia's demographic bonus expected in 2030.

In a live video broadcast by his secretariat, as followed in Jakarta, the president made the encouraging statement during the groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of Campus II of the university in Banyumas District, Central Java Province, on Wednesday.

"I believe that Muhammadiyah, with its long-standing history in education, will manage to push UMP as an international-class superior university that the people of Purwokerto can be proud of. UMP will contribute to the nation's human resource development," he remarked.

Jokowi, as president is widely known, reiterated that in 2030, Indonesia is projected to face a demographic bonus, which constitutes a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for a nation, noting that Indonesia should make the most of it in order to transform into a developed country.

"Countries in South America have been developing countries since 50-60 years ago. However, they have yet to emerge as developed countries," he noted while citing their failure to prepare superior human resources for welcoming a demographic bonus as the reason.

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Jokowi went on to emphasize that the development of human resources is the key to optimizing a demographic bonus. According to Jokowi, Indonesia needs to focus on honing the skills of its young talents.

He then underlined the vital role of the national leadership in 2024, 2029, and 2034, saying that those governing the country during the mentioned periods could be decisive in Indonesia's journey towards becoming a developed country.

"National leaders should fully comprehend and know what to do to bring this country to progress," he affirmed.

Jokowi also noted that UMP, currently home to about 17 thousand students, should take part in developing Indonesia's human resources for the sake of enabling the country to make the most of the expected demographic bonus.

"The opportunity is in sight. Now, it is a matter of how to genuinely make the most of it. If we can do so, we will be able to make Indonesia a developed country," he concluded.

Campus II of the UMP will have 14 floors, and its construction will be supported by a budget of USD 13 million provided by the Public Works and Public Housing Ministry.

Indonesian National Armed Forces Commander General Agus Subiyanto, among others, attended the groundbreaking ceremony.

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Translator: Andi F, Tegar Nurfitra
Editor: Jafar M Sidik
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