Jusuf Kalla: Confidence within Yourself for This Nation's Autonomy

August 20, 2011

By UKM Student English Forum

Editor UKM Student English Forum

BANDUNG, itb.ac.id- Muhammad Jusuf Kalla, one of the national character that had once preside as the Vice President of the Republic of Indonesia from 2004-2009, gave a general lecture entitled "Indonesia 2045, Have We Stand By Ourselves?". This second Presidential Lecture was held by YPM Salam ITB on Saturday (20/8/11) in the West Hall of ITB. The enthusiasm within the students was seen by the huge number of attendees both from within ITB or those who came from outside of ITB. The West Hall was filled with students and general public to receive some insights from Jusuf Kalla.

"Actually in this world there are no country that can stand by themselves with full autonomy, but what a delight if we can be a country that can fulfill a majority of the people's needs." Jusuf Kalla said to open his general lecture. He also added that the measure of develop country is erratic, a develop country can happen in any country. "What is important within a country is their spirit to always move forward."
According to Mr. Kalla, progress is a plus point that was created by technology that made raw materials into goods that worth much more.

An example would be a simple piece of wood if it's sold would cost just fairly, however if it is turned into a podium, then the price would multiply. That is why according to Mr.Â Kalla, technology is very essential. Â
"Why can't we move forward?" First reason is because we always feel that we are incapable, second is that we always wanted quick fix solution in various fields, and low spirit." said this man who was born in Bone, North Sulawesi. In the field of religion, Indonesians are very fervent in prayer, pilgrimage, and charity.

However zakat in Indonesia are in a very low level due to the low level of our economy. Economy is essential in a nation's development, which is why according to Mr. Kalla, technology is needed to fix the efficiency in different fields. One of the examples is in the field of farming. It is best to research on good seeds quality since the result of each acres of field would be 5 tons, while other countries they would reach 10 tons Â

Brains, Muscles, and Our Own Pockets Â

Jusuf Kalla gave a new motivation to the participant of the Presidential Lecture to use their brain, muscles, and own pockets to build Indonesia. Mr. Kalla gave an example regarding the construction of Sultan Hassanudin Airport in Makassar that was build autonomously without any foreign parties involvement.

"I'm not against foreigners, but we have to believe in ourselves. We can be autonomous if we are enthusiastic and confidence on our own capability." said Jusuf kalla to close his lecture.