Jakarta, August 24, 2026 — As we approach Golden Indonesia 2045, education plays a crucial role in preparing the younger generation to possess not only knowledge and skills, but also character, adaptability, and the awareness to live and thrive amidst diversity. Today's young generation will be a crucial part of determining Indonesia's future.
This was conveyed by the Minister of Primary and Secondary Education (Mendikdasmen) Abdul Mu'ti while attending the Young Confucian Generation Gathering on Saturday (August 22) in Jakarta. On that occasion, the Minister of Education and Secondary Education emphasized that the younger generation needs to prepare themselves with various strengths to face future challenges, while also utilizing diversity as an asset in building Indonesia. "If we talk about Indonesia 100 years, Indonesia 2045, or 19 years into the future, you are the ones who will determine the face of Indonesia," said Abdul Mu'ti.
According to the Minister of Primary and Secondary Education, the Ministry strives to develop a generation of Indonesians with spiritual, physical, intellectual, and leadership strength. These four strengths are necessary so that the younger generation can not only adapt to change but also have the capacity to contribute and be part of national development. Intellectually, young people are encouraged to become lifelong learners. The ability to continuously learn new things, adapt to technological developments, and be unafraid of failure are essential in preparing a superior generation.
"We have a knowledgeable generation, a generation that knows everything, a generation that can do everything. Because if we can't master various aspects of digital technology and so on, we will become a generation that relies on others. And therefore, the key is for us to become lifelong learners," explained the Minister of Primary and Secondary Education.
Besides developing intellectual abilities, education also plays a crucial role in strengthening Indonesian identity. The Minister of Primary and Secondary Education explained that the diversity of tribes, ethnicities, languages, religions, and cultures is a wealth that must be collectively preserved. According to him, unity does not mean eliminating differences, but rather accepting and respecting them as strengths. "Unity does not mean eliminating differences. Unity does not mean uniformity. Unity is an attitude in which we accept, respect, and utilize differences as capital for us to carry out various virtues in our lives," he explained.
In the context of education, schools also serve as a crucial space for fostering this spirit of togetherness. Schools bring together students from diverse backgrounds so they can get to know each other, integrate, and build bonds as one nation. "Schools are places where children from diverse backgrounds meet. I call them meeting points . They meet, they integrate, and then schools are places where the melting pot occurs. They have diverse backgrounds but share a common bond called Indonesia," said Mu'ti.
This message aligns with the spirit of the Confucian Youth Gathering, which provides a space for young people to learn, grow, exchange ideas, broaden their horizons, and prepare themselves to play a role in society and the nation. Aristya, Chairman of the Indonesian Confucian Youth, emphasized that young people need to be part of the change without losing their identity. "Confucian youth should not simply be spectators of this change. We must be part of the change. However, being part of the change does not mean we have to lose our identity. In fact, amidst changing times, our values become even more important," Aristya said.
Meanwhile, Budi Santoso, Chairman of the Indonesian Supreme Council of Confucianism (MATAKIN), emphasized that technological advancements, particularly artificial intelligence (AI), need to be balanced with the strengthening of virtuous values so that technological development remains grounded in humanitarian values. "Technologically, humans are very advanced, but spiritually, not necessarily religiously, but virtuous values will be a strong foundation to prevent humans from devouring other humans," he explained.
Ultimately, education is not only a means to improve competence, but also a space to build character, strengthen unity, and foster awareness that diversity is part of Indonesia's strength. These efforts are part of a shared endeavor to prepare a strong Golden Generation of Indonesia 2045 capable of leading Indonesia to even greater progress.*** (Author: Destya/Photographer: Shaka)
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