President Prabowo Addresses Academics, Emphasizing National Unity and Intellectual Contribution

President Prabowo Subianto engaged with Indonesian academics for the second time in three days, delivering a significant address at the Convention on Science, Technology, and Industry (KSTI) in Jakarta. Speaking to an audience of roughly 2,600 professors, deans, and rectors, Prabowo highlighted the critical role of intellectuals in uniting the nation and driving innovation for collective survival and advancement.

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Overall, I followed that the atmosphere was positive, an atmosphere of exchanging information and views.

During the convention, organized by the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Technology, Prabowo stressed the interconnectedness of the modern world, where events thousands of kilometers away can impact Indonesia. He expressed a need for frequent interaction with academics, stating, "I need to meet smart people." This sentiment underscores his view of intellectuals as vital resources for navigating global challenges and opportunities.

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This forum is a mirror that all the potential of the Indonesian nation must unite. Especially in mengeluarkan thoughts, innovations, and initiatives for the common good. For our survival, for the continuity of the Indonesian nation.

The convention included extensive sessions, notably a nearly five-hour address by Prabowo on Friday, which began publicly before continuing in a closed-door format. Attendees described the sessions as intense, with Prabowo presenting material via a large screen and discussing government initiatives like free nutritious meals and village cooperatives, alongside personal anecdotes from his youth and military service. While no formal question-and-answer session was held due to the large number of participants, Prabowo urged attendees to contribute their knowledge for the nation's progress.

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I need to meet smart people.