Otto stresses importance of legal education and awareness

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Deputy Minister for Law, Human Rights, Immigration, and Correction Otto Hasibuan stressed that legal education and awareness are an investment in the nation’s future.

“The most crucial aspect is building trust. From there, progress in education, law, and national development can proceed smoothly,” Otto said in a statement confirmed in Jakarta on Monday.

Speaking at a national seminar at the University of Bangka Belitung in Bangka on Sunday (24 May), Otto said legal education and awareness are the primary foundation for building a high-quality, integrity-driven human resource capable of facing the nation’s future challenges.

Therefore, he hopes local governments, universities, and all societal elements will continue to collaborate in improving the quality of education and legal awareness in Bangka Belitung to create a generation capable of advancing Indonesia’s competitiveness and progress.

Otto highlighted the paradox in Bangka Belitung Province between its natural resource wealth and the quality of the local population’s education.

“Bangka Belitung is rich in natural resources, but education must be the top priority,” he said.

He stressed that natural resources may eventually deplete, while education will provide lasting benefits for the future.

However, the Deputy Minister noted that an individual’s success is not solely determined by academic intelligence but also by the ability to tackle life’s challenges.

Therefore, students and the youth are encouraged to adopt a visionary mindset and actively contribute to societal and national advancement.

Besides education, he also stressed the importance of fostering a legal culture and public trust as part of the foundation for national development.

He argued that legal awareness must be continuously strengthened to foster orderly, just, and mutually respectful community life.

The national seminar, themed ‘Education and Legal Awareness Reform as the Foundation for Human Resource Development’, was held to mark the University of Bangka Belitung’s 20th anniversary.

The event was also attended by regional leadership forums (Forkopimda), local government officials, and the university’s academic community.