Indonesian Deputy Speaker Urges Youth to Design the Future at Seoul Lecture

In a world undergoing profound transformation driven by technology, the future hinges not just on innovation but on the very people who will inherit and shape it: the youth. This was the central message delivered by Edhie Baskoro Yudhoyono, Deputy Speaker of Indonesia's People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) and a key figure from the Democratic Party, during a public lecture at the prestigious Seoul National University.

Yudhoyono, affectionately known as Ibas, articulated a vision where the younger generations—Gen Z and Alpha—are not merely passive successors but active architects of the future. He underscored their immense potential, fueled by innate creativity, a drive for innovation, and a natural fluency with digital technologies. The emergence of the 'creator economy,' where ideas and creativity are the primary currency, represents a significant shift, and Indonesia's youth are poised to lead this new era.

Drawing inspiration from South Korea's remarkable success in leveraging its cultural output—from K-pop sensations like Blackpink to globally acclaimed films like 'Parasite'—as a potent form of soft power, Yudhoyono sees a similar, untapped potential within Indonesia. He believes the nation's rich cultural tapestry and the vibrant creativity of its young people can be similarly harnessed to enhance its global standing. Yet, amidst this outward-looking perspective, Yudhoyono also issued a crucial reminder: the importance of safeguarding national identity. In an increasingly borderless world, preserving the unique cultural heritage and values of Indonesia is paramount, even as its youth engage with and contribute to global trends. This lecture, delivered in the heart of a leading Asian educational hub, offered a compelling Indonesian perspective on the power of youth and culture in the 21st century.

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The younger generation is not just the heir to the future, but the designer of that future itself.