Lemhannas Governor Highlights Gen Z’s Role in Shaping Indonesia’s Future

Governor of Lemhannas RI Dr. H. TB. Ace Hasan Syadzily, M.Si., delivered a keynote address at a national seminar held at the Faculty of Social and Political Sciences, Universitas Diponegoro (Undip), on Wednesday (August 5). The seminar's theme was “Nationalism and Geopolitics: The Urgency and Methods of Teaching Gen Z in the Digital Democracy Era.”

The Governor said competition among countries is no longer confined to the military and economic spheres but has expanded to technology, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, data control, the information space, and the contest for influence in the digital sphere. Geopolitical dynamics are moving so rapidly that the boundaries between national and global issues are becoming increasingly blurred.

At the same time, the world’s demographic landscape is changing significantly, with Generation Z and millennials making up a substantial share of the global population. Indonesia is currently at the peak of its demographic dividend.

Against this backdrop, a nation’s strength in the 21st century will largely depend on the quality of its human resources. “Nations that can produce outstanding individuals with strong character, mastery of science and technology, and unwavering integrity will be able to withstand and prevail in global competition,” The Governor said.

He stressed that Indonesia’s greatest investment should not be limited to physical infrastructure but must also focus on developing its people. Indonesians must be equipped not only with intellectual ability but also emotional maturity, strong moral values, sound judgment and a firm sense of national identity.

The Governor further noted that Indonesia was blessed with abundant natural resources and rich cultural diversity. Managing these national assets requires human resources who are intellectually capable, statesmanlike, patriotic and principled. These qualities are essential to prevent the misuse of scientific knowledge, ensure the responsible use of technology, and enable Indonesia to compete amid the accelerating pace of technological change.

He said Generation Z held a strategically important position in the nation’s journey. By the time Indonesia marks its centenary of independence in 2045, Gen Z will take on decision-making roles across sectors including government, academics, diplomacy, business, science, the military and police, and community leadership.

Higher education plays a pivotal role in developing Indonesia’s human resources. Universities must go beyond imparting theoretical knowledge and focus on preparing future leaders who can think systemically, take a long-term perspective, adapt to change and demonstrate the moral courage to place national interests above personal or group interests. Students must also be equipped to become job creators, innovators, problem-solvers and agents of change capable of addressing the nation’s challenges.

For this reason, Lemhannas RI believes that strengthening nationalism must go hand in hand with strengthening national resilience. Nationalism is not merely pride in national symbols; it is a commitment to safeguard national interests through achievement, innovation, leadership, and service.

The Governor called on universities, lecturers, researchers, students, the government, businesses, the media, and the public to work together to build a learning ecosystem that nurtures intellectually capable Indonesians who are strong in character, adaptable to technological developments, and equipped with a sound understanding of geopolitics. He said students should be trained to analyze national and global strategic issues through simulations, public policy discussions, digital technology, national awareness laboratories and community service.

The Governor expressed confidence that by developing high-quality human resources, strengthening national character, advancing science and technology, and fostering a form of nationalism that adapts to changing times, Indonesia could become not only a developed country but also a sovereign nation with global competitiveness and strong national resilience. ”Let us ensure that Generation Z is not merely a witness to Indonesia’s journey toward Indonesia Emas 2045, but becomes the key architect of the nation’s future, building it through knowledge, integrity, innovation and a spirit of service to the nation and state,” He concluded.

The seminar was attended by civics education teachers from senior high schools, vocational schools and Islamic senior high schools across Semarang; civics education lecturers from Universitas Diponegoro, Universitas Negeri Semarang and Universitas Pancasakti in Tegal; student organization representatives from Undip and other universities; and student council representatives from senior high schools, vocational schools and Islamic senior high schools across Semarang. (SP/CHP/MDF)