DPD: Indonesia Needs Leaders of Character Amidst Globalisation
Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Regional Representative Council (DPD) of the Republic of Indonesia believes that the challenges currently facing the Indonesian nation lie in the effort to produce leaders who are characterised by integrity and remain anchored in cultural values amidst the rapid waves of globalisation and technological development.
During the National Leadership Camp 2026 held at the University of Indonesia, Depok, West Java, on Saturday, the Vice Chairperson of the DPD RI, GKR Hemas, reminded the audience that Indonesia does not lack intelligent and high-achieving young generations.
“One of the greatest challenges for our nation today is not just an economic issue, nor just a technological issue, but an issue of identity,” said GKR Hemas, as quoted from a statement received in Jakarta.
According to her, advancements in technology, artificial intelligence, and the openness of information have presented various new opportunities for the younger generation. However, behind this progress, she noted, there is a significant challenge to face: maintaining the nation’s identity and selfhood so that it is not eroded by increasingly powerful global influences.
GKR Hemas emphasised that true leadership is not born solely from academic intelligence or technological mastery. She continued that leadership is shaped by values, character, and a worldview that serves as the basis for an individual to make decisions and exercise their authority.
“When we speak of leadership, we are essentially speaking about the cultural values that serve as the foundation for a leader’s actions,” she remarked.
She assessed that various issues occurring in national life, including the abuse of authority and the decline of integrity in the public sphere, indicate that progress in education and economic development does not necessarily go hand-in-hand with the strengthening of character. Therefore, she stated that national development must be accompanied by character building rooted in Indonesian cultural values.
She emphasised that Indonesia possesses very strong cultural capital through values such as gotong royong (mutual cooperation), musyawarah (deliberation), tepa selira (empathy), and respect for diversity. It was stated that these values must serve as the foundation for building future leadership capable of addressing modern challenges without losing the nation’s identity.
Furthermore, GKR Hemas argued that Indonesia currently requires a generation capable of blending intelligence with integrity, competence with compassion, and courage with wisdom in carrying out leadership responsibilities. Consequently, she expressed hope that following the National Leadership Camp 2026, participants would become a generation ready to compete globally without abandoning their national identity.
The Senator from the Special Region of Yogyakarta (DIY) also noted that the mastery of science and technology must proceed alongside an understanding of Indonesian culture and character. “I have many hopes; they should not only possess physical and mental strength, but they must not abandon the nation’s culture. Our national identity, the Indonesian identity, must be emphasised to our children,” GKR Hemas stated.
She added that the challenges facing the younger generation in the future will become increasingly large and complex; thus, progress and competitiveness must be built upon a strong cultural foundation so that Indonesia possesses leaders capable of advancing the nation without losing its essence. It was noted that in facing global developments, young people must not only be encouraged to move forward with the times but must also hold firmly to their own culture, which is considered a strength as Indonesians.