Source: Untar Public Relations – SS
Head of the National Population and Family Planning Agency (BKKBN) Dr. (H.C.) dr. Hasto Wardoyo, Sp.OG(K). served as a keynote speaker during the national seminar session of Untar’s 2024 Orientation Program for New Students (PKKMB) on Thursday (15/8/2024) at Tarumanagara Arena, Untar Campus I.
In his presentation titled “Leadership and Mental Health for Students,” Hasto emphasized the crucial role of university students in maximizing Indonesia’s demographic bonus. He highlighted that students, as part of the country’s youth population, hold significant influence over the nation’s future.
“Youth constitute the largest segment of Indonesia’s population today. With such large numbers, you have an extraordinary influence on the country. The future of the nation lies in your hands,” he said.
He explained that Indonesia is currently experiencing a demographic golden period. The productive workforce population is exceptionally high, while the number of young children and elderly citizens remains relatively low. This condition, known as the demographic bonus, presents a major opportunity for Indonesia to improve prosperity by maintaining the quality of its human resources.
“The key to benefiting from the demographic bonus is the quality of human resources, particularly the younger generation. It is important for students to complete their education, succeed academically, and avoid harmful social behaviors,” he stressed.
Hasto also highlighted the major challenges Indonesia faces in improving the quality of its human resources, particularly issues related to stunting and malnutrition, which directly affect the intellectual development of younger generations. He noted that Indonesia currently ranks 130th globally in terms of intelligence quotient (IQ) levels.
Furthermore, Hasto reminded students that success in the workplace depends not only on mastering hard skills taught in universities but also on soft skills, which often receive less attention in formal education.
“At universities, 90 percent of what is taught consists of hard skills. However, in the workplace, success is more heavily influenced by soft skills. Students must master both and be able to adapt quickly,” he explained.
New students participate in Untar’s 2024 PKKMB program // Doc: Untar Public Relations – SS
In addition, Hasto emphasized the importance of maintaining mental health amid ongoing efforts to reduce stunting rates. He warned that smoking habits often serve as a gateway to narcotics and alcohol addiction, which can negatively affect both the mental and physical health of young people.
“Addiction to narcotics and alcohol always begins with smoking habits. This should be a concern so that young people can avoid more serious health problems,” he added.
Concluding his session, Hasto encouraged students to remain open to developing new skills that can benefit them in daily life. He stressed that the ability to continuously learn and adapt is essential for overcoming future challenges.
“Live like a frog that continuously develops new skills at every stage of its life. In the future, I hope all of you will become great leaders for this nation,” he said.
Echoing the BKKBN Head’s message, Untar Rector Prof. Dr. Ir. Agustinus Purna Irawan, M.T., M.M., I.P.U., ASEAN Eng., also expressed his hope that new students would maximize their personal development during their time at Untar.
He encouraged students not only to focus on academic achievement but also to develop into high-quality, competitive individuals who are ready to make positive contributions to society.
“The educational process at Untar should shape you into resilient and innovative individuals who uphold the values of Integrity, Professionalism, and Entrepreneurship (IPE). In doing so, you can become agents of change who are globally competitive and capable of bringing positive transformation to this nation,” he concluded.
Untar’s 2024 PKKMB program was held over three days beginning Wednesday (14/8/2024), followed by the 79th Indonesian Independence Day Commemoration Ceremony on Saturday (17/8/2024) at Untar Campus II.
Carrying the theme “Untar for Indonesia and the World: Sustainable Innovation – Igniting Curiosity to Drive Creativity,” the event was attended by 3,000 new undergraduate students from eight faculties at Untar.
In addition to the Head of BKKBN, Commander of the Joint Regional Defense Command (Pangkogabwilhan) III of the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) Lieutenant General (Letjen) TNI Richard Taruli Horja Tampubolon, S.H., M.M., and Pa Sahli Tk. III Kasad for Intelligence, Security, and Cyber Affairs Major General TNI Dr. Agustinus Purboyo, S.I.P., M.Tr.(Han). also delivered national values briefings to Untar’s new students. (KJ/YS/PA/KJ)
Keywords: Entrepreneurship, Tridharma of Higher Education (Education), SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-Being), SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions)
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