He delivered the message during the “Indonesia Punya Kamu” (“Indonesia Belongs to You”) event at the UNS campus in Solo on Thursday.
Amran stressed the importance of perseverance and discipline among young people, saying that every decision has lasting consequences.
“There are two choices — struggle now or enjoy now. If you study hard today, success will come 15 years later. But if you waste time today, 15 years of hardship await,” he told the students.
He reminded them that success requires patience and sustained effort.
Amran also criticized the tendency of some young people to focus on others’ affairs while neglecting their own progress.
“The problem is that some are afraid to go through the process. They hesitate, take no action, and achieve nothing. Sometimes even the older generation is too busy managing other people’s lives while neglecting their own. That’s a big issue,” he said.
The minister urged universities to shape students’ character through meaningful challenges that encourage growth.
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“My message to the UNS rector is this: don’t give them too much free time. Give them pressure, give them assignments. If they feel stressed, that’s the beginning of their awakening,” he added.
During the event, Amran invited several orphaned students onto the stage and presented them with gifts to ease their burdens and inspire empathy among others.
“We share because we care. Always honor your mothers,” he told the students.
Speaking to reporters afterward, Amran said his goal was to motivate students to remain creative and innovative, particularly in the agricultural sector, which needs greater participation from the younger generation.
“UNS students are bright and talented. We must support and encourage them to keep innovating and contributing in their fields,” he concluded.
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Translator: Primayanti
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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