Ministry Backs Education Investment to Harness Demographic Bonus
The Ministry of Population and Family Development (Kemendukbangga)/BKKBN supports investment in education in order to expand job opportunities for young people to achieve the demographic dividend.
Deputy for Population Control at Kemendukbangga/BKKBN Bonivasius Prasetya Ichtiarto said quality education, decent employment and space to voice aspirations are the main hopes and aspirations of Indonesia’s young generation today.
“The government is encouraging investment in education, health, skills and job opportunities so that the demographic dividend truly becomes capital for Indonesia’s development,” he said in a statement in Jakarta on Wednesday.
Bonivasius stressed that the government cannot work alone in preparing the nation’s future. Therefore, input from the young generation is greatly needed and should not stop at voicing aspirations, but should also involve contributing and collaborating in the development process.
“It is indeed not easy when we speak up. But as long as it is good, keep doing it and speak up, because the ones who will enjoy the results are your own younger siblings. Do not only speak up or voice aspirations, but also contribute and participate in the process by collaborating,” said Bonivasius.
In a dialogue between junior and senior high school students from Sekolah Siaga Kependudukan (SSK), representatives of Generasi Berencana (Genre), Gerakan Bangun Remaja dan Anak Jakarta (Gerbang Raja), and Karang Taruna at the peak of the World Population Day commemoration, Bonivasius acknowledged that students certainly have futures they aspire to.
According to him, this can only be realised if supported by better access to education and adequate job opportunities.
Fransiskus, a student at SMP Negeri 251 Jakarta who aspires to become an engineer, hopes the government will open more job opportunities for the young generation. Similarly, Keshira Rizki Henri from SMA Negeri 9 Jakarta believes improving the quality of education is an important foundation so that young people can obtain decent work.
This view was reinforced by Agus Muhammad Ramadhan, who stressed that education should not only produce students who are academically smart, but also intelligent in recognising their own potential and able to utilise it in the world of work.
Besides education and employment, the young generation also hopes to be given space to be involved in development. Representative of Forum Genre DKI Jakarta Andira Exel Zes stressed that young people need to be involved meaningfully (meaningful youth participation), not merely as participants in activities.
Meanwhile, Taufik Ilham Pamungkas from SMK Negeri 24 Jakarta invited young people to be brave in conveying ideas even though they must face criticism, because change can only be realised when the young generation speaks up and takes on a role.