USU PR - The Universitas Sumatera Utara (USU) held a public lecture, with the theme “Opportunities and Challenges for Young People Towards a Golden Indonesia 2045”. It took place at the USU Auditorium, on Friday (1/03/2024).

This public lecture brought in the Chief of Staff of the President of the Republic Indonesia (RI), General TNI (Ret.) Dr. H. Moeldoko, S.IP, M.Si, as the sole speaker. He will open insights related to the challenges faced and formulate strategies to face the long journey towards the Golden Indonesia 2045.

USU Rector Prof. Dr. Muryanto Amin, S.Sos., M.Si. emphasized that this public lecture reflects USU's strong desire and aspiration to realize a prosperous, highly competitive, and equitable Indonesia in 2045. Young people, who are the hope and backbone of the nation, have a very important role in realizing this dream.

“They are agents of change, innovators, and initiators or prime movers towards the golden Indonesia that we aspire to,” said Prof. Muryanto.

Furthermore, the USU Rector explained the challenges that the young generation needs to face as the backbone of the nation. These challenges involve social, economic, environmental issues, climate change, economic disparities, and challenges in building inclusive and equitable leadership. This is part of the test that must be faced.

“Therefore, in achieving the Golden Indonesia 2045, we need to equip ourselves with knowledge, skills, and mental toughness. The courage to innovate, the spirit to learn and adapt, and integrity,” explained Prof. Muryanto.

In line with that, General TNI (Ret.) Dr. H. Moeldoko, S.IP, M.Si, explained that the government has a strategy to face various challenges, both in terms of geopolitics and domestic challenges. With the target of becoming a developed country by 2045, the government is trying to prevent Indonesia from being trapped in the middle-income trap, especially towards 2036 which is considered a critical period.

“We hope to become a developed country by 2045, but there are various challenges. We have a strategy that young people should also know. There are five strategies,” explained Dr. Moeldoko.

One of these strategies includes solving problems in the agricultural sector. Therefore, General TNI (Ret.) Dr. H. Moeldoko, S.IP, M.Si, hopes that the younger generation can make a significant contribution, especially in the development of the agricultural sector, which is an important part of national economic growth.

“I hope that these young people will have the awareness to take part in the agricultural sector,” hoped Dr. Moeldoko.

Author: Bambang Riyanto - Public Relations

Interviewee: Prof. Muryanto Amin - Rector of USU

Photographer: Amri Simatupang - Public Relations