He said this opportunity can only be realized if the younger generation is prepared to become leaders with strong character, adapt to technological advancements, and respond effectively to global challenges.
"Indonesia will become a developed country if we can move up the income ladder within the next 20 years. And we will only be able to do that if we can take advantage of the demographic bonus," Sugiarto said in a statement here on Sunday.
He made the remarks during a scientific oration titled "Adaptive Generation in the Demographic Bonus Era: Building Digital Leadership, Future Competencies, and Collaboration for Indonesia 2045" at the Open Senate Session of Garut University for the bachelor's and master's graduation ceremony of Batch XLIV, Phase II, for the 2025/2026 academic year on Saturday.
He explained that Indonesia is currently dominated by a productive-age population, giving the country a significant opportunity to accelerate development.
However, he warned that the demographic bonus alone will not enable Indonesia to become a developed nation unless its younger generation is equipped with the competencies and character needed to meet future challenges.
Sugiarto said digital transformation and the rapid development of artificial intelligence (AI) have reshaped the demands of both the workforce and public administration. Therefore, he said, the younger generation needs to master future-oriented skills such as AI, big data, computer science, robotics, information systems, and data analytics.
He added that the ministry has adopted AI to support civil servant talent management, enabling employees to be placed in positions that better match their competencies.
"If I were asked which is more important, competence or character, I would say 70 to 80 percent is about character," he said.
He added that mastering technology will not have an optimal impact without integrity, discipline, honesty, adaptability, and a willingness to keep learning.
The deputy minister emphasized that success depends not only on academic achievement but also on having the strength of character to face challenges.
He encouraged the graduates to become leaders who embrace differences, collaborate effectively, maintain a healthy work-life balance, and build extensive professional networks.
According to Sugiarto, future leaders need not only strong personal skills but also the ability to work collaboratively and make meaningful contributions to society.
He also reminded graduates to make good manners the foundation of their pursuit of knowledge.
Good character, he said, shapes the way people think, influences their actions, builds positive habits, and ultimately determines their future.
He expressed confidence that the graduates' innovation, leadership, and spirit of dedication will play an important role in advancing Garut District while supporting the realization of Golden Indonesia 2045.
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Translator: Fianda Sjofjan Rassat, Katriana
Editor: M Razi Rahman
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