World of Work Increasingly Competitive, Students Must Be Adaptive

In Indonesia's increasingly competitive job market, the message to university students is clear: academic prowess alone is insufficient. Hendra Tanumihardja, Director at Bank Central Asia (BCA), emphasizes the critical need for mental resilience and adaptability among young graduates. Speaking at a public lecture at Universitas Sultan Ageng Tirtayasa (Untirta), he stressed that the path to success is invariably paved with setbacks, and the youth must be prepared to face these challenges head-on.

“

The journey to success is never without failure. Young people need to be brave and tough to face these failures.

Tanumihardja drew parallels with the philosophy of 'ukemi' in martial arts, which teaches one to rise after falling. This mindset is particularly relevant for students entering a professional world characterized by high competition and swift industry evolution. Official data from the Central Statistics Agency (BPS) indicates a persistent tightness in the labor market, with unemployment figures remaining significant, particularly among university graduates. This underscores the pressure on graduates to be more than just knowledgeable; they must be emotionally robust and agile.

“

The philosophy of ukemi in martial arts teaches someone to be able to get up after falling. This attitude is relevant for students who will enter the professional world with high competition and rapid changes.

BCA's initiative extends beyond lectures; the bank has also installed solar-powered charging stations on the Untirta campus. These facilities serve a dual purpose: providing a sustainable energy source for students' devices and creating spaces for learning and discussion. This aligns with the growing emphasis on environmental consciousness within Indonesian educational institutions, as seen in similar projects at Universitas Diponegoro and Institut Pertanian Bogor.

“

Students need to start building mental resilience while in college and make failure a learning process, not a reason to stop trying.

From an Indonesian perspective, this focus on 'soft skills' like resilience and adaptability is a crucial evolution in higher education. While academic rigor remains important, the understanding is growing that preparing students for the realities of the modern workforce requires a more holistic approach. BCA's engagement, as highlighted by EVP Corporate Communication & Social Responsibility Hera F Haryn, supports the concept of an environmentally friendly campus, reflecting a broader societal push towards sustainable development and responsible corporate citizenship. The message resonates deeply in a nation where embracing change and learning from adversity are culturally valued.

“

This facility supports the concept of an environmentally friendly campus.