SBY Emphasizes the Role of Lemhannas RI Participants in Shaping Indonesia’s Future

The 6th President of the Republic of Indonesia, General (Ret.) Prof. Dr. H. Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, delivered a public lecture to participants of the Preparation and Consolidation Program for the National-level Leaders (P4N) Batch LXIX and the Consolidation Program for National-level Leaders (P3N) Batch XXVII in the Dwi Warna Room at Lemhannas RI on Monday (2/23). In addition to the P4N LXIX and P3N XXVII participants, the event was also attended by faculty members and all high-ranked officials within Lemhannas RI.

Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono was warmly welcomed by the Governor of Lemhannas RI, Dr. H. TB. Ace Hasan Syadzily. “The presence of Bapak Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono is a very timely and strategic moment, as he is a statesman,” said the Governor of Lemhannas RI. Participants of P4N LXIX and P3N XXVII eagerly awaited his presence due to his extensive knowledge of geopolitics and his experience leading Indonesia for two terms. The global geopolitical perspective shared by Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono was expected to enrich participants’ knowledge, broaden their insights, and provide a deeper understanding of the responses needed to address the dynamics of today’s global situation, which impact not only Indonesia but also other countries.

“Alhamdulillah, I returned to an institution that has a historical role in nation building, national development across generations,” said Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono. He views Lemhannas RI as a highly important institution, as it systematically shapes and molds various fundamental aspects of statecraft, policy formulation, development management, and senior-level leadership.

Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono stated that Lemhannas RI prepares its participants to fill strategic positions in the government and carry the nation’s mandate. He noted that important issues such as human rights and governance become the responsibility of officials trained at Lemhannas RI, with the expectation that development management, national leadership, national issues, state affairs, and the impact of global dynamics can be handled skillfully, allowing Indonesia to advance and remain at the forefront.

On this occasion, Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono delivered a lecture on “Great Power Rivalry in the Age of Global Disorder.” He explained that major powers today tend to act unilaterally without involving others. According to him, multilateral approaches have decreased and lost direction, no longer resembling those of the past.

Currently, there is significant uncertainty and unpredictability. Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono acknowledged that international tensions, such as those between China and Taiwan, in the Middle East, and in Venezuela, are not surprising. In his view, such conflicts are inevitable, given the current global order characterized by extreme policies from certain countries, such as ultranationalism that disregards the impact on others.

Furthermore, Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono emphasized that Indonesia should remain part of ASEAN, as the organization has now evolved into the ASEAN Community Security. He stressed that in the current geopolitical and regional security context, ASEAN must be stronger than ever. “We hope for encouragement to ASEAN leaders. Use this historical opportunity. ASEAN can be part of the solution,” said Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono.

He also added that if conflicts arise between ASEAN countries, there is no need for external intervention. Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono emphasized the importance of preserving dignity and demonstrating that ASEAN is capable of maintaining stability, peace, and progress since its founding.

Finally, Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono expressed his hopes for Indonesia’s future, which he believes lies in the hands of the participants. “There is nothing more gratifying in my later years than to see Indonesia independent and the youth taking responsibility in carrying out the mission for our beloved country, for our beloved nation,” concluded the 6th President of Indonesia, who played a key role in mediating the conflict between Thailand and Cambodia during his leadership. (SP/CHP/MDF)