Semarang, September 25, 2024 – The Ministry of Coordinating Affairs for Economic Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia organized an event titled Ekon Goes to Campus with the theme “The Important Role of the Young Generation in Supporting National Economic Transformation Towards Golden Indonesia 2045” at the PKM Hall of the Faculty of Social and Political Sciences, Diponegoro University (Undip). The event, attended by students and academic staff, aims to motivate and empower the young generation to actively participate in achieving an inclusive and sustainable economic transformation in Indonesia.

The event began with a welcome speech from Haryo Limanseto, S.Sos., M.Si, Spokesperson and Head of the Communication, Information Service, and Conferences Bureau of the Ministry of Coordinating Affairs for Economic Affairs. In his speech, Haryo expressed his delight at being warmly welcomed at FISIP Undip, particularly by the Dean, Dr. Drs. Teguh Yuwono, M.Pol.Admin. “We were greeted by the Dean’s full team, and I have never experienced such a warm welcome at any university,” said Haryo.

Throughout the event, participants received various engaging presentations, including one from Laila Kholid, an expert lecturer in politics at FISIP Undip. She highlighted the crucial role of the young generation as the driving force behind the digital economy in supporting the transformation towards Golden Indonesia 2045. Despite their significant potential, young Indonesians still face serious challenges, such as a high unemployment rate, with 25.8% classified as NEET (Not in Education, Employment, or Training). Laila also emphasized the importance of education, empowerment, and equal access to resources as key factors for success, citing programs like GIRL Project, GreenSkills, and TechMuda as examples that can be implemented.

Sugeng Triwibowo from the Ministry of Coordinating Affairs for Economic Affairs also presented on Indonesia’s economic growth, which reached 5.05% in the second quarter of 2024, despite global challenges. This growth was supported by controlled inflation, a strong manufacturing sector, and increased investment. He also discussed the role of Strategic National Projects (PSN) in boosting the construction sector and the effectiveness of fiscal and monetary policies in reducing poverty and unemployment. Dr. Muhammad Hadianto stressed the importance of industrial downstreaming, digital transformation, and sustainable energy transition to maintain Indonesia’s economic competitiveness towards the vision of Golden Indonesia 2045.

The event, moderated by Ibu Retna Hanani, a lecturer in Public Administration at FISIP Undip, concluded with an interactive question and answer session between students and the speakers. The Ekon Goes to Campus event is expected to not only serve as a platform for discussion but also to lay the foundation for the implementation of policies and strategic projects that involve the young generation as key actors. With the principles of sustainability and the active participation of students, the economic transformation of Indonesia towards the 2045 vision can be realized, fostering inclusive and highly competitive growth.