"We have to get to know our national roots again. Indonesia has an abundance of cultural, social, and (natural) resources. Our ancestors, a lot of them were farmers and fishers. Youth need to start from those roots. Creating real impact from local potential, concurrently leveraging digital technology," Tan said here on Tuesday.
She made the statement after a BRICS+ Youth Summit by Indonesian Youth Diplomacy (IYD).
Tan stated that national development can be driven by local potential managed through creativity and sustainability. She drew attention to the government's support of various eco-friendly initiatives, such as the bamboo initiative by Kampus Bambu in East Nusa Tenggara and community-run local-wisdom based farming by Kampung Ilmu.
"Restorative economy means we go back to nature. We plant bamboo to protect water resources, develop a community farm for local foods, and promote tourism that does not damage nature. All of this can serve as potential for youth (to tap into)," she noted.
BRICS+, which upholds the spirit of solidarity among Global South countries, can serve as a platform for Indonesian youth to lead transformation and change, she opined. Hence, she motivated the youth to combine local values and global opportunities through innovation, technology, networking, and collaboration.
"We must be a generation which does not just stand by and watch, but also actively pursue change. Make use of digital technology to highlight local potential, create new jobs, and develop an inclusive, sustainable future," Tan added.
Moreover, she deemed cross-sectoral collaboration crucial in making any initiative impactful and sustainable.
"The government cannot work alone without support from private parties, universities, communities, and media," she added.
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Translator: Tri Meilani Ameliya, Mecca Yumna
Editor: Azis Kurmala
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