The Studium Generale featured the Governor of the National Resilience Institute of the Republic of Indonesia (Lemhannas RI), Dr. H. TB. Ace Hasan Syadzily, M.Si., who discussed the importance of building geopolitical awareness among the younger generation.

Geopolitics and the Role of Science and Technology
Representing the ITB Rector, ITB Vice Rector for Communication, Partnerships, Alumni Affairs, and Administration, Dr. Andryanto Rikrik Kusmara, said that geopolitics is now closely interconnected with science, technology, industry, energy, the economy, and natural resources.

Economic competition, artificial intelligence (AI), energy and food security, and climate change have become integral parts of international dynamics. Therefore, technological advancement needs to be accompanied by mature thinking and strong national values.

“ITB encourages students not only to become technology users, but also creators, innovators, and leaders who can strengthen Indonesia’s competitiveness and sovereignty,” said Dr. Rikrik.

Geopolitics in Everyday Life

In his presentation, Ace Hasan Syadzily emphasized that geopolitics is not something distant from people’s everyday lives. Its impact can be felt through changes in energy and food prices, disruptions to supply chains, and technological developments.

He explained that the global order is becoming increasingly multipolar. Global competition is no longer limited to the military sphere, but also extends to trade, investment, technology, energy, and control over strategic resources.

“Indonesia holds an important position in the Indo-Pacific region. Its strategic geographic location, mineral resources, and large population provide a strong foundation for strengthening Indonesia’s position amid global competition,” he said.

The Younger Generation: Users or Creators?
Ace then invited students to reflect on an important question: Will Indonesia’s younger generation become users or creators?

According to him, AI, data, semiconductors, cybersecurity, and digital infrastructure will become important instruments in future competition. Therefore, the younger generation needs to take an active role as creators and developers of technology, rather than merely becoming users.

“Students also need to develop strategic thinking skills by understanding what is happening, why it is happening, who has an interest in it, what its implications are for the nation, and how Indonesia should respond,” he said.

He emphasized the importance of five key capacities for the younger generation: strategic awareness, critical thinking, awareness of national interests, global competence, and ethical digital literacy.

Collaboration Toward Golden Indonesia 2045

He stated that geopolitical resilience is not solely the responsibility of the younger generation. The government, higher education institutions, society, the technology ecosystem, and youth organizations need to work together.

Higher education institutions are encouraged to produce knowledge and innovations capable of addressing real-world challenges, while the younger generation needs to continuously strengthen its competencies and critical thinking skills.

Such collaboration is expected to strengthen national resilience while supporting the realization of Golden Indonesia 2045 as a developed, sovereign, united, and sustainable nation.