Wamendikdasmen: The Young Generation Plays An Important Role In Realizing Indonesia Gold 2045

JAKARTA - Deputy Minister of Basic and Secondary Education (Wamendikdasmen), Fajar Riza Ul Haq stated that the younger generation plays an important role in realizing Indonesia Gold 2045.

"This vision is about creating a country that is developed, independent, fair, and prosperous. To achieve it, the younger generation must be equipped with life skills and adaptability in the midst of changing times," Fajar said in his statement in Jakarta, quoted by Antara, Thursday, December 26.

Fajar's statement was delivered when he was a keynote speaker at the XI 2024 National Exemplary Student Jambore (JPTB) which took place at the Vocational Education Quality Development Center for Automotive and Electronic Affairs (BBPPMPV BOE), Malang.

The event, which was initiated by the MAARIF Institute in collaboration with the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education (Kemendikdasmen) through the Character Strengthening Center (Puspeka) was held on 23-27 December 2024 and carries the theme "Empowered Youth: Building a Sustainable Future Together."

JPTB XI 2024 was attended by 100 selected high school students, who came from almost all provinces in Indonesia. This activity is designed to equip them with insights in tolerance, unity, diversity, and concern for local and global issues through various educational activities.

Deputy Minister Fajar highlighted the strategic value of JPTB as a meeting and learning room for students from various backgrounds.

"The spirit of this activity is to build unity in diversity. Not only life skills, participants are also strengthened by cross-regional networks and cultures that are very important in building the character of the nation," he said.

In addition, Fajar emphasized the importance of equitable distribution of the quality of education in Indonesia as the foundation for the development of the golden generation.

"The inequality of the quality of education between urban and inland areas must be addressed immediately. Quality education must be accessible to all the nation's children to maximize the potential for demographic bonuses," he said.

Meanwhile, Head of the Center for Strengthening Characters, Ministry of Education and Culture, Rusprita Putri Utami also expressed her appreciation for JPTB XI 2024 activities.

According to him, this activity is in line with the Puspeka's vision to increase the number of meeting forums for the younger generation.

"This activity is a place for students to learn tolerance, unity, and diversity. Hopefully, they will grow into a strong generation, unite the nation, and are ready to realize the great ideals of Indonesia Gold 2045," said Rusprita.

Executive Director of the MAARIF Institute, Andar Nubowo said that JPTB 2024 was designed to strengthen students' critical capacity and literacy.

"Participants are invited to explore issues of education, environment, and social inclusion. They will also learn through theory and practice, including visits to the Moderation Village in Malang as a form of direct learning," he said.

For five days, participants participated in various activities such as discussions on global diversity, environmental issues, and the prevention of violence in schools.

This activity was enriched by dialogue with religious and community leaders in the Moderation Village, and closed with cultural arts performances from each region.

Jambore for National Exemplary Students (JPTB) is an annual program that has been going on since 2012. This activity aims to produce a young generation that is not only academically intelligent, but also has a strong, tolerant, and cares about social issues.