MPR Deputy Speaker: To Shape the Future, We Must Understand Ourselves

Deputy Speaker of the Indonesian People’s Consultative Assembly (MPR) Lestari Moerdijat (Rerie) stated that mastering and understanding oneself is essential for the youth. This serves as the foundation for young people, particularly those aspiring to be future leaders, and thus requires starting from the most fundamental steps.

“The journey of self-discovery begins early. If we wish to shape the future, we must learn to understand ourselves,” Rerie said in a statement on Monday (1 June 2026).

She made the remarks during an online leadership camp for National Student Ambassadors from across Indonesia’s districts and cities in 2026, organised by the National Selection Committee of the Indonesian Student Ambassadors Foundation on Sunday (31 May).

During the event, Rerie argued that a leader’s greatest enemy is not others but themselves.

“A complete leader is one who has resolved their own internal conflicts. Resolving oneself means understanding one’s own self,” she stressed.

Rerie outlined crucial steps to understand oneself, starting with taking a moment to pause.

She criticised today’s youth for moving too quickly—scrolling endlessly, going viral rapidly, reacting impulsively, and being easily distracted.

“Many bright students lack focus and are easily distracted,” said the member of the House of Representatives’ Commission X.

At the event, Rerie introduced Theory U, a management theory developed by Otto Scharmer. Its core principle is that before acting, one must first observe, listen, and understand.

Only then should one reflect and process all information before taking steps to create change.

Rerie reminded the importance of understanding root causes, not just symptoms.

“What is visible on the surface is often just a small part. The real issues lie beneath, hidden from view,” explained the senior member of NasDem Party.

She emphasised that true leaders must delve beneath the surface rather than offering quick fixes.

According to Rerie, viewing issues from multiple perspectives—what she calls building an empathy map—is vital for future leaders.

“So when making decisions, taking action, or wielding authority to shape policies, you must be able to see from various angles,” she stressed.

Rerie urged camp participants to have the courage to change, try new things, and lead.

“From now on, aspiring leaders must be able to recognise and understand themselves, then prepare to take action,” she concluded.