Mental resilience key for young generation facing AI era, says minister

Minister of Population and Family Development and Head of the National Population and Family Planning Board (BKKBN), Wihaji, has stated that mental resilience is key for Indonesia’s young generation in facing increasingly rapid social and technological changes in the era of artificial intelligence (AI). At the opening of the 16th anniversary commemoration of Generasi Berencana (Genre), Wihaji said that today’s youth live amidst a new civilisation marked by a torrent of information and AI developments that influence how society thinks. “Today we need mental readiness to bounce back, which we call resilience, because the civilisation algorithm influenced by AI is increasingly blurring the lines between what is right and wrong, what is guidance and what is mere spectacle,” he said in Jakarta on Monday. According to him, the challenges faced by teenagers today are vastly different from those 16 years ago. If creativity and innovation were previously the main focus, now the young generation is also required to have the ability to filter information and strong mental resilience so as not to be easily influenced by various digital content. Wihaji noted that Indonesia has around 46 million families with members aged 10–24 years. This age group represents the generation that will play an important role in national development over the next two decades. “Whether you agree or not, in 17 to 20 years you (the young generation) will lead Indonesia, so what must be prepared is not only academic ability, but also mental maturity and the ability to rise to face challenges,” he said. He also reminded that AI development brings great benefits, but its use must be accompanied by critical thinking skills. The young generation must not blindly accept every piece of information obtained from digital technology without verification. Therefore, Genre has a strategic role in helping teenagers face the changing times through character strengthening, family values, and sustainable mentoring. “In my view, Genre is part of the answer for millions of Indonesian families with teenagers. They not only need something to hold on to, but also need clear guidance and direction,” he explained. Furthermore, Wihaji emphasised that the family remains the primary foundation for shaping the young generation’s character through the implementation of the eight family functions, including the religious function as a guide in daily life. Meanwhile, General Chairperson of the Indonesian Genre Forum 2024-2026, I Putu Arya Aditia Utama, stated that Genre has three main roles to realise a more advanced young generation: as an actor, amplifier, and accelerator. “Genre does not only discuss, but also carries out real action in the field. Genre cadres actively go to schools, villages, and communities to provide education to teenagers,” he said. Arya continued that as an amplifier, over 16 years, Genre has been a disseminator of various positive messages together with the Ministry of Population and Family Development/BKKBN, therefore, Genre continues to voice optimism towards the realisation of Golden Indonesia 2045. “As an accelerator, Genre cadres are equipped with an understanding of teenage life transitions. The Genre organisation is one of the important means in the process of shaping teenage character. Genre cadres are prepared to become good future fathers and mothers,” he concluded.