Public Lecture at IPDN: AHY Says Indonesia Needs Honest People
Coordinating Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development Agus Harimurti Yudhoyono (AHY) has stated that a large productive-age population is not an automatic guarantee of national success. He said the determining factor is not the number of productive people, but the quality of Indonesia’s human resources. “This nation does not only need intelligent people. This nation needs intelligent people who are honest,” AHY said during a Studium Generale lecture at the Institute of Public Administration (IPDN) in Jatinangor on Thursday (18/6).
According to AHY, the demographic bonus will only become a strength if accompanied by strong competence, character, and integrity. Without these, the great opportunities Indonesia possesses could potentially become challenges. He explained that Indonesia currently has substantial development assets, ranging from a strategic geographical position and abundant natural resources to a growing productive-age population. However, all these assets require human resources capable of managing them properly. “No matter how great the potential, it will be meaningless if there are no people who can manage it responsibly,” he said.
AHY assessed that human resource development must be the nation’s top priority. Education must not only produce academically intelligent graduates but must also shape character, integrity, discipline, and a sense of responsibility towards the public interest. Therefore, he argued, competence and integrity cannot be separated. Intelligence without character can lead to abuse of authority, while capability without integrity can create poor governance. Conversely, when competence meets integrity, leadership emerges that can bring progress to society. “We must not produce people who are intelligent but have lost their character. That is dangerous for the nation’s future,” he said.
On the occasion, AHY also appreciated IPDN’s educational model, which not only emphasises academic aspects but also the formation of discipline, character, leadership, and a spirit of service. According to him, the balance between intellectual intelligence and strong character is essential preparation for the Praja who will become state apparatus and regional leaders. He reminded that Indonesia is entering a very decisive period, where today’s young generation will become the decision-makers of the future, determining how natural resources are managed, how development is carried out, and how public welfare is realised. Therefore, the quality of human resources will be the most decisive factor in Indonesia’s success. “Ultimately, Indonesia’s future is not determined by what we have. Indonesia’s future is determined by who manages it,” he said, inviting the Praja to continue building their capacity while maintaining their integrity.