Deputy Interior Minister Bima Emphasises that the Youth Generation Must Be Ready to Lead Indonesia Towards Becoming a Developed Nation
Jakarta, VIVA – Deputy Interior Minister (Wamendagri) Bima Arya Sugiarto has called on the youth generation to prepare themselves seriously to seize the opportunity for Indonesia to become a developed nation. This readiness, according to him, is not only related to competencies but also to visionary and adaptive leadership.
He conveyed this while serving as the keynote speaker at the Garuda Youth Camp 2026 event at the Cibubur Scout Camping Ground, Jakarta, on Sunday (3/5/2026). In his presentation, Bima emphasised that leadership is the main key in facing the future. He quoted a leadership concept that emphasises the importance of direction and exemplary conduct.
“Leaders are those who know the way, who show the way, and who lead the way,” he said.
He explained that leaders are not only required to have a clear vision but also to show the path and lead directly to achieve those goals. Therefore, the youth are encouraged to start planning the direction of their lives from an early stage.
Furthermore, Bima stressed the importance of the ability to read the direction of the times. According to him, success is not only determined by hard work but also by sensitivity in seeing opportunities amid global changes.
“Please answer, in 20 years, where do you want to go and what do you want to become,” Bima asked the 558 participants of the Garuda Youth Camp, consisting of students from Greater Jakarta.
He added that various global projections indicate that Indonesia has a great opportunity to become one of the world’s economic powerhouses in the coming decades. However, this opportunity greatly depends on the readiness of human resources, especially the youth generation.
“In 20 years, Indonesia (is projected) to become a developed nation, one of the five largest economies in the world,” he stated.
In that context, Bima emphasised the importance of education, a spirit of learning, and mastery of skills as the main foundation in utilising the demographic bonus. “Never stop learning wherever you are,” he asserted.
In addition, he highlighted the importance of discipline and consistency as differentiating factors. According to him, intelligence alone is not enough without being accompanied by perseverance in undergoing the process. “Those who will become winners are the people who are most consistent and disciplined,” he said.
Bima also reminded that strong leadership arises from the ability to adapt to diversity. Experience in interacting with various backgrounds is considered important in shaping the character of a mature leader. “There is no great leader who is not accustomed to differences,” he said.