Closing the Ministry of Home Affairs Internship Programme, Deputy Minister Bima Arya Emphasises the Importance of Strengthening Character

Jakarta – Deputy Minister of Home Affairs (Wamendagri) Bima Arya Sugiarto emphasised the importance of strengthening character, as it is the primary factor that differentiates an individual’s quality, including when serving as a leader. He delivered this message during the closing of the Ministry of Home Affairs (Kemendagri) Internship Programme on Wednesday, 6 May 2026.

He explained that success is more determined by character than by competence. While competence encompasses skills and knowledge, character relates to the values that are believed in and practised, such as honesty, discipline, hard work, and resilience.

“Character is the values that you believe in. You are honest, you are disciplined, you become fighters, you become warriors, that is character,” he said at the Bima Arya Auditorium, Bogor City Library and Gallery, West Java.

Bima believes that character determines 80% of success, while competence only 20%. He described how a person with average abilities can surpass those who are more intelligent if they possess discipline and a strong mentality.

“You will be able to overtake your genius friends when you are more disciplined. That is just one aspect of discipline, not to mention the others—that is just discipline alone. The second is your habit of bravely facing differences, tests, trials, and so on,” he clarified.

He added that character is formed through consistent processes and training, including the courage to step out of one’s comfort zone and the readiness to face risks. According to him, great people are those who dare to make risky choices in life.

“We have many choices, and great people dare to take risks for those choices. Risky choices. Your friends who did not come might have very important reasons, or perhaps not. They might also choose to stay in their comfort zones,” he added.

Furthermore, Bima stressed the importance of momentum in life. The ability to read and utilise momentum is greatly determined by strong character in making decisions.

“You are still in the phase of forming your character. So, hopefully, this internship at Kemendagri contributes to shaping your character and your presence as leaders and great individuals,” he concluded.