He also invited the youth to make the Asta Cita, or President Prabowo Subianto's eight main missions, a shared vision to ensure a brighter future for the nation.
He said that Asta Cita is the main long-term agenda of President Prabowo and Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka for the country. One of the eight goals is boosting economic growth to eight percent.
"I always remember Mr. Prabowo's message to the younger generation. You must have dreams. You must have aspirations," Ariotedjo said while delivering a speech in front of thousands of young people who gathered at TMII on Monday night.
According to the minister, the target of eight percent growth will be a reference for the Red and White Cabinet. The number 8 has become a symbol of the leadership of Prabowo, the 8th President of Indonesia, he said.
It also represents sustainable economic growth, he added.
"The number 8 is a symbol of something that continues to move and to have an impact, in accordance with the Asta Cita concept, which consists of eight main ideals," he explained.
During the Cabinet retreat at the Military Academy in Magelang, Central Java, President Prabowo directed his officials to work hard to pursue the ambitious economic targets.
To achieve them, cross-sector collaboration is important.
Collaboration is key to tapping the potential of Indonesia's demographic bonus as a tool for pursuing economic growth. In this case, all elements of the country, including the government, society, academicians, business actors, and the media, need to work together.
'House for young people'
Ariotedjo said that as part of efforts to support the development of the country's younger generation, the Ministry of Youth and Sports will serve as a "house for young people," where they can share and discuss their ideas.
"The Youth and Sports Ministry is the home of young people, so please hang out often here. Propose your best programs because we are committed to supporting all young people in the planning process to the implementation," he added.
During the 96th Youth Pledge Day commemoration, the ministry gave awards to young people who have excelled in various fields.
The awardees included young people who have done pioneering work in the spheres of education, food, cultural arts, technological innovation, natural resources, environment, tourism, and entrepreneurship.
Special awards were also given to districts, cities, and campuses for supporting young entrepreneurs and young people engaged in tech and sports businesses.
The ministry, as a facilitator, also put a spotlight on the importance of multi-party cooperation to realize the development targets, especially in the field of sports and youth.
At the commemoration, siblings Mischka Aoki and Devon Kei Enzo — who have won more than 100 medals at the international mathematics and science olympiads — also shared some inspiration for the youth.
The two were named "Indonesian State Defense Cadres" in 2021 by the Ministry of Defense and Pancasila Achievement Icons by the Pancasila Ideology Development Agency (BPIP) in 2022.
They were also named Inspirational Young Figures by the Ministry of Youth and Sports and made it into the Indonesia World Records Museum (MURI).
Speaking about their achievements, the siblings encouraged young people in the country to have a positive mindset in facing challenges.
"It is important to always have a positive mindset. Because by having a positive mindset, we want to learn, want to succeed, and have a goal," Devon, who is just 15 years old, said.
Meanwhile, Mischka motivated other youngsters to continue to learn and innovate by cooperating with each other. "Togetherness is a strength. We, as the young generation of Indonesia, must continue to learn, innovate, and build togetherness."
Entrepreneurial ecosystem
Strengthening the entrepreneurial ecosystem for young people is a part of efforts to reduce the unemployment rate.
Minister Ariotedjo said that the incubation program for young entrepreneurs has a key role in the ministry's plan to build youth independence.
"Our young talents must be able to contribute (to the national economy) so that Indonesia can escape from the middle-income trap," he said.
Nowadays, young people must be able to adapt and innovate to keep up with industry needs and the country's downstreaming strategies.
The Ministry of Youth and Sports will act as a center to support youth development efforts toward Golden Indonesia 2045.
The 96th Youth Pledge Day celebration served as a reminder for the youth to reflect on their roles in realizing the nation's grand vision.
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Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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