Legislator Urges Millennials to Continuously Sharpen Intellectual Abilities to Face Global Competition
Member of Commission X of the Indonesian House of Representatives, Agung Widyantoro, has urged millennials, especially university students, to continuously sharpen their intellectual abilities in facing the increasingly challenging global competition. If not, Indonesia will continue to lag behind advanced countries and even other developing nations at the regional level.
Agung conveyed this after attending the Halal Bi Halal event held by the Brebes Youth, Student, and Pupil Unity (KPMDB) at his residence on Jl. Pangeran Diponegoro, Brebes, on Saturday (28/3/2026).
“Competition between countries, especially at the global level, is becoming increasingly fierce. Young people, particularly university students, must continuously hone their intellectual abilities to face the increasingly fierce global and regional competition,” stated Agung.
Agung, the legislator representing the communities of Brebes Regency, Tegal Regency, and Tegal City, hopes that this year’s post-Eid gathering will serve as a means to cleanse oneself and strengthen bonds of brotherhood among fellow residents in the “West Pantura” region, including its students.
“We want events like this gathering not to be limited to Eid moments such as this Halal Bi Halal. We are open to fellow students who want to meet me in Jakarta anytime,” said Agung.
The Halal Bi Halal, attended by over a hundred students from various universities across Indonesia, also featured a discussion with speakers including the Rector of Universitas Muhammadiyah Jakarta (UMJ), Makmun Murod Al Barbasy; Bappenas Expert Planner, Supriyadi; and Pantura Cultural Figure, Atmo Tan Sidik.
Makmun Murod reminded young people, especially university students, not to be allergic to politics. Because if students are politically illiterate, they will not be able to participate in efforts to advance the nation.
“In reality, all aspects of national and state life cannot be separated from the world of politics. Like it or not,” explained Makmun Murod.
In line with Agung Widyantoro, Supriyadi also emphasised that young people, especially university students, must continuously hone their intellectual abilities to face increasingly advanced technological progress.
“If young people and university students do not continuously sharpen their intellectual abilities, they will not be able to survive in the political, economic, and social ecosystems,” clarified Supriyadi.
Pantura cultural figure, Atmo Tan Sidik, stated that the Halal Bi Halal for students who are essentially living away in various cities during this still-Eid atmosphere is very necessary. Even gatherings like this do not have to be held only during Eid moments.
“These students who are living away in various cities in Indonesia certainly miss returning home not just to exchange greetings with family and fellow student friends. They also miss the local specialties or Brebes cuisine that they may rarely enjoy while away,” said Atmo Tan Sidik.
The KPMDB Halal Bi Halal event was also enlivened by the performance of rising comedian M. Fadholi, who managed to make the participants laugh heartily.