AHY: Quality Human Resources Key to Realising Indonesia Emas 2045
Coordinating Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development Agus Harimurti Yudhoyono (AHY) has asserted that the quality of human resources (HR) is one of the main keys for Indonesia to realise the Golden Indonesia 2045 vision. The younger generation holds a strategic position as they will fill various leadership and development spaces in Indonesia’s future.
AHY conveyed this message while providing a briefing to new students of the Universitas Pembangunan Nasional (UPN) ‘Veteran’ Jakarta during the Campus Life Introduction for New Students (PKKMB) event at Tennis Indoor Senayan, Jakarta, on Monday (10/8/2026).
Carrying the theme ‘Preparing the Young Generation, Building the Nation’s Future’, AHY invited students to understand the various changes occurring in the world while also seeing Indonesia’s opportunities to become a developed country. In his presentation, he divided the discussion into three main agendas: the current state of the world, Indonesia Emas 2045: challenges and opportunities, and becoming future leaders.
According to AHY, the world is currently facing increasingly rapid changes. Technological developments and artificial intelligence, economic transformation, geopolitical dynamics, as well as various social and environmental challenges, are creating conditions of uncertainty. These changes simultaneously present challenges and new opportunities for the younger generation.
Amidst these conditions, Indonesia has significant opportunities to carry out national economic transformation through several strategic sectors, including downstream industries, the digital economy, the green economy, the blue economy, and the creative economy. However, these opportunities require the support of quality human resources.
‘We need human resources who not only have knowledge and skills but are also productive, innovative, adaptable, and possess leadership qualities,’ AHY said in a written statement on Tuesday (11/8/2026).
He explained that the journey towards Golden Indonesia 2045 also faces several challenges, including technological development and innovation, governance, the investment climate and international trust, socio-economic disparities and regional inequality, employment and purchasing power, and the quality of human resources.
Therefore, AHY stressed that Indonesia Emas 2045 is not solely about economic achievements but also about the quality of the people who will drive Indonesia’s development. ‘Ultimately, we are talking about people. Quality human resources are the foundation for increasing productivity, generating innovation, and bringing Indonesia to become a more advanced nation,’ he said.
To the new students of UPN Veteran Jakarta, AHY advised that the period of higher education should be used to strengthen competence while building character. Higher education is not only a space to acquire knowledge and skills but also a place to shape ways of thinking, character, social awareness, and leadership.
According to him, leadership does not have to start with holding a specific position. Leadership can be built from one’s immediate environment through the courage to take initiative, the ability to make wise and responsible decisions, and the willingness to be a role model and inspire others.
‘Ultimately, we all play a part in determining Indonesia’s future. Therefore, from today, prepare yourselves to be part of the nation’s journey,’ AHY stated.
AHY reminded students not to fear uncertainty. Technological advancements, artificial intelligence, changes in the world of work, and economic transformation should be viewed as opportunities to continue learning and improving skills. ‘Do not see change only as a threat. We must make change an opportunity to learn, improve skills, and become better,’ he said.
In addition to adaptability, AHY assessed that a spirit of collaboration is an important skill for the younger generation. Differences in backgrounds and perspectives should become strengths to generate better ideas and solutions.
AHY also encouraged students to be sensitive to issues around them and to be able to connect the knowledge gained on campus with the real needs of society. He noted that serving the nation does not always have to start with grand gestures but can begin with simple, consistent actions that provide benefits.
‘Use the knowledge you have to provide benefits. Do not just ask what we can get from Indonesia, but also what we can give to Indonesia,’ AHY said. ‘Being part of the solution can start with small steps. What matters is the intention, the courage to start, and the consistency to provide benefits,’ he continued.
Concluding his briefing, AHY expressed his hope that the new students of UPN Veteran Jakarta would grow into a generation that is not only academically excellent but also possesses integrity, leadership, social awareness, and a spirit of service to the nation and state. ‘Know yourselves, build character, master competencies, lead your surroundings, and dedicate yourselves to Indonesia,’ AHY concluded.