Home Affairs Deputy Minister: Utilise Demographic Bonus to Make Indonesia a Developed Nation
Deputy Minister of Home Affairs (Wamendagri) Bima Arya Sugiarto has reminded that Indonesia only has one opportunity to utilise its demographic bonus to escape the middle-income trap and become a developed nation. “Indonesia will become a developed country if we can move up a class within 20 years. The problem is we can only move up a class if we can utilise the demographic bonus,” Bima said in a statement in Jakarta on Sunday. He explained that Indonesia is currently dominated by a productive-age population, providing significant capital to accelerate development. However, the demographic bonus will not automatically propel Indonesia into a developed nation if the younger generation is not equipped with the competencies and character to respond to the changing times.
Bima noted that digital transformation and the development of artificial intelligence (AI) have altered the needs of the workforce and governance. Therefore, the younger generation must master future competencies such as AI, big data, computer science, robotics, information systems, and data analysis. As an example of digital transformation, Bima said the Ministry of Home Affairs has utilised AI to manage the talent of state civil apparatus (ASN) so that employee placements are more precise according to their competencies.
He added that technological mastery will not have an optimal impact without the support of integrity, discipline, honesty, adaptability, and a lifelong learning spirit. He stressed that many people succeed not solely because of academic intelligence, but because they possess strong character in facing life’s challenges. Bima called on graduates to become leaders who are open to differences, able to collaborate, maintain life balance, and build extensive networks. Future leaders, he said, are measured not only by personal ability but also by their capacity to work together and benefit society. He also reminded graduates to make good conduct the foundation for developing knowledge, as good character will shape mindsets, influence actions, create positive habits, and ultimately determine one’s future. He expressed confidence that the innovation, leadership, and spirit of service of the graduates would be important capital to advance Garut Regency and support the realisation of Golden Indonesia 2045.