Sompo Indonesia CEO Eric Nemitz Urges Young People to Prioritise Self-Care

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - For over 20 years living and working in Indonesia, Eric Nemitz has observed significant shifts in how young people view life, careers, and the future.

Today’s youth grow up in a fast-paced world. They are pressured to achieve success early, earn substantial incomes quickly, and appear successful even before fully understanding the life challenges they face.

Amid these changes, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of PT Sompo Insurance Indonesia points out one often-overlooked aspect: many people are so busy chasing the future that they forget to protect themselves.

“Sometimes people think the name on the business card is the goal. In reality, it’s the skills and experiences that will stay with us for life,” he told Kompas.com in a special interview.

Eric’s perspective on the younger generation contrasts with common stereotypes about millennials or Gen Z.

He does not see young people as indifferent to the future. According to him, everyone is simply at a different life stage.

When young, a person’s focus is typically on education, work, new experiences, and personal achievements. He himself experienced this.

“Insurance wasn’t my first thought when I was young,” he said.

However, as age increases, life responsibilities gradually change. When someone starts a family, buys a home or car, or becomes the family’s breadwinner, their view of the future shifts.

At this point, according to Eric, insurance is no longer an optional extra but part of life’s responsibilities.

Many young people not only think of themselves but also have to support their parents while building their own future. The sandwich generation phenomenon is very real.

Yet amid this pressure, Eric believes self-care must remain the top priority.

He likened it to airplane safety instructions: put on your own oxygen mask first before helping others.

“If I don’t look after myself, I can’t help my family,” he said.