Stella highlights the urgency of deep and systemic thinking for civil servants

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Deputy Minister for Higher Education, Science and Technology (Wamendiktisaintek), Stella Christie, emphasised the importance of strengthening the ability for deep thinking and systemic thinking among civil servants (ASN) in facing global challenges in the digital era.

In a statement in Jakarta on Thursday, the Deputy Minister stressed that current learning can no longer solely focus on the accumulation of information, but on the ability to process and interpret information effectively.

The cognitive psychology expert explained that the rapid flow of information, especially through digital platforms, has affected individuals’ focus abilities.

According to her, the decline in attention span has become a major challenge that impacts the quality of understanding and decision-making, particularly in handling complex issues.

Stella assessed that this condition demands not only ASN to be able to manage two thinking systems, namely fast thinking and slow thinking.

In the context of public policy, the slow thinking approach, which is analytical and reflective, becomes key in producing appropriate and sustainable solutions.

“Take time to ensure that the solutions provided are not just temporary solutions, but solutions that address the root of the problems systematically or through systemic thinking,” said the Wamendiktisaintek.

The Deputy Minister also highlighted the importance of strengthening human resource capacity through a balance between general skills, such as critical thinking, communication, and leadership, and deep technical expertise. The combination of both forms the foundation for building an effective and adaptive work system.

In terms of governance, she emphasised the need for a paradigm shift from input-based measurement to outcome-based measurement.

“Policy success must be viewed from the real impact produced, not merely the level of budget absorption,” stated Stella Christie.