Lemhannas RI Governor: NU Key to Elevating the Quality of Youth Human Resources

The Governor of Lemhannas RI, Dr. H. TB. Ace Hasan Syadzily, M.Si., delivered a lecture on a National Seminar titled “Nahdlatul Ulama and Social Welfare” at the Indonesian National Council for Social Welfare (DNIKS) Auditorium on Friday (7/10). This event is part of a series of programs to welcome the 35^th Nahdlatul Ulama Congress.

In his remarks, the Governor of Lemhannas RI stated that Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) has a strategic position to strengthen national resilience. As the largest community organization, NU must help improve the quality of human resources. “Therefore, I believe that what President Prabowo has outlined regarding Indonesia Emas 2045, NU should indeed capitalize on that glory,” the Governor of Lemhannas RI remarked.

Indonesia is presently in the demographic advantage phase. This is marked by the dominance of the nation’s working-age population, which will exceed 60 percent from 2020 through 2035. Accordingly, this demographic advantage must be optimized.

The Governor of Lemhannas RI stated that NU holds a strategic position; given that a large number of Indonesians identify as NU members, this segment of society also includes the younger generation who are currently of working age. In his view, if Indonesia is to navigate this demographic advantage, NU plays a crucial role in enhancing the quality of human resources among the younger generation.

However, to build national strength, Indonesia must address various challenges arising from the global geopolitical landscape. This is evident in international rivalries, such as tensions between the United States and the European Union, tensions between the United States and Canada, and the dispute over control of Greenland.

Quoting Thucydides’ statement, “The strong do what they can, and the weak suffer what they must,” the Governor of Lemhannas RI emphasized that national strength is the key to a nation’s survival. This strength does not stem solely from military power but also from the strength of its human resources.

The Governor of Lemhannas RI also highlighted the competition in information technology, now known as artificial intelligence (AI). However, Indonesia’s readiness to compete in this field still faces various challenges, particularly in the academic realm. The Governor of Lemhannas RI hopes that Indonesia’s younger generation will be able to engage in AI-related academic pursuits.

Concluding his remarks, the Governor of Lemhannas RI encouraged NU to strive to transform educational institutions, including Islamic boarding schools (pesantren), to adopt an approach focused on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). “I believe that is what is important for us to reflect on together in the framework of building social welfare,” he concluded. (SP/CHP/DA)