BANDUNG, itb.ac.id - Coordinating Minister for Politics, Law, and Security (Menkopolhukam) Republic of Indonesia Prof. Mohammad Mahfud MD was the honorary speaker at the National Defense Seminar organized by the Directorate of Student Affairs in Institut Teknologi Bandung (ITB), Sunday (2/23/2020), at the Sasana Budaya Ganesa (Sabuga) ITB. The theme adopted was "Students as Pioneers of National Unity". 

The seminar was held in order to welcome Indonesia Golden 2045. Participants who were present were the 2019 ITB Joint Preparation Phase (TPB) students and also students who took citizenship courses this semester. The seminar began with a report from the Director of Student Affairs, Dr. G. Prasetyo Adhitama, then followed by remarks from the Vice Chancellor for Academic and Student Affairs, Prof. Dr. Jaka Sembiring. "This seminar is important for students because students are the backbone of Indonesia's development which is a milestone in the struggle and sustainability of a country so that it still exists," said Prof. Jaka. The National Defending Seminar was hosted by Prof. Hermawan Kresno Dipojono, Ph.D., as Chair of the ITB Academic Senate.

In his presentation, Prof. Mohammad Mahfud MD said, the younger generation including students, were the pioneers of national unity. History has recorded that the youth movement has contributed to the realization of Indonesian Independence. "The next generation must maintain Indonesia's independence to achieve Indonesia Gold 2045," he said.

Prof. Mahfud MD also said that Indonesia is a country rich in diversity. Indonesia has 17,504 islands, 1,340 tribes, 726 regional languages, various religions, and beliefs, as well as a variety of customs and cultures. Demographically and geographically Indonesia is very rich in diversity. "That is the capital of the unity and integrity of this nation. The task of today's young generation is to care for this diversity," he said. He further said that there were two keys to achieving achievements and realizing the ideals of the nation, which is hard work and an independent Indonesia. "Indonesia is already independent, now what needs is hard work from the people of this nation," he said.

Prof. Mahfud MD as Chair of the Indonesian Constitutional Court 2008-2013 added that  Indonesian people have high hopes for every young person. Every Indonesian youth has equal opportunity and responsibility to advance Indonesia not limited to ethnicity, religion or language. For this reason, he is optimistic that Indonesia will be able to meet the golden generation by 2045. The seminar closed with a discussion session and questions and answers from students.

Reporter: Ashifa Nur Fahrunisa

Translator: Elisabeth Sirumapea