JK: Strengthen Science, Technology, and Young Entrepreneurs to Face Global Uncertainty

Jakarta - Indonesia’s 10th and 12th Vice President Jusuf Kalla stated that the country must strengthen science, technology, research and multiply young entrepreneurs to face global uncertainty. Delivering a scientific oration at the 23rd Anniversary of the Faculty of Social and Political Sciences at Sultan Ageng Tirtayasa University, Banten, on Wednesday, Kalla said the world is facing a crisis due to geopolitical conflict, while the character of war is changing. “War is no longer about how many troops you have, but how much technology, rockets, drones, and scientific ability a country possesses,” he said. The character of modern warfare has shifted from conventional war to technology-based war. Therefore, universities have an important role in producing research and innovation capable of strengthening the nation’s competitiveness. Kalla cited Iran’s ability to withstand pressure supported by technological and research mastery, and the success of the United States in developing technology through university and industry synergy, such as in Silicon Valley. He stated that Indonesia still faces major challenges, from the threat of a food crisis due to climate change and increasing energy needs, to issues of national productivity. According to him, to achieve the target of becoming a high-income country in the future, Indonesia must be able to significantly increase per capita income through improved productivity and innovation. “Developed countries are always built by good universities, good research, good study, and the good utilisation of intelligence,” he said. Kalla also encouraged students to change their mindset from job seekers to job creators. He assessed that an entrepreneurial spirit must become an important part of higher education to produce an independent and productive generation. “Don’t just think about finding a job, but think about how to employ other people. That way of thinking must be changed if we want to advance together,” he said. He further invited students, academics, and the public to remain optimistic in facing various global challenges by prioritising science, technology, productivity and an entrepreneurial spirit. “Young people and scientists are needed to apply their knowledge in tangible ways. That is our shared hope for building a more advanced nation,” concluded Kalla.