116th National Awakening Day "Rise for a Golden Indonesia"

Monday (20/05/2024) BPS Bandung City held the 116th National Awakening Day (Harkitnas) Ceremony, with the theme "Bangkit IUntuk Indonesia Emas". In his remarks, the Head of BPS Bandung City read out remarks from the Minister of Communication and Information of the Republic of Indonesia.

These days we are faced with a stark reality: the rapid advancement of technology. We have chosen not only to participate, but more than that, to be an important player in order to reach the world. These days and the next two decades are crucial moments that will determine our steps in realizing it all.

We can reflect on this choice by "revisiting" the original idea of making and shaping Indonesia. How history has shaped our nationhood. History is needed not for its political sensation. Nor is it a source of exemplary values alone. But in the continuous conversation about progress, humanity and welfare. Exemplary values do not have to be tied to the past. But it can be tied to the future, to ideas that open up the imagination of civilization.

Today, we are in the second phase of awakening, continuing the spirit of the first awakening that the founding fathers had set in motion. Unlike the struggle that was pioneered more than a century ago, we now face a variety of new challenges and opportunities. Technological advances mark a new era.

Technological advancements have come to our daily lives and become part of our civilization today. Technological innovations have driven revolutionary changes in human life. Many difficulties have been successfully solved by technology. The adage of this era is clear: he who controls technology will also control civilization. At this point, the picture becomes clearer, mastery over technology is a necessity for us to welcome "Golden Indonesia".

Digital technology innovation is growing every day. The speed is like a quantum leap. In the last two decades, change has been rapid. Digital technology, for example, has gone far beyond what many people could have imagined. At least, it was unimaginable three decades ago that it would be like this today. Digital technology has cut through many human limitations. The world seems to have shrunk. Everything seems to be closer, displayed in front of our eyes. Distance is no longer relevant. Visual presence enhances the presence of sound.

Meanwhile, in front of us lies a potential force that is ready to reach the world. The demographic bonus shows how 60% of Indonesia's population in the last two decades have become productive age workers who are ready to develop new innovations, for technological advancement and economic growth. As President Joko Widodo has repeatedly stated, we have the opportunity to become a developed country in the next 10 to 15 years by maximizing the demographic bonus. The President also emphasized how in the history of the civilization of countries and nations, the opportunity only comes once, therefore we absolutely must not be mistaken in choosing a step.

With the declaration of the acceleration of national digital transformation by Mr. President Joko Widodo in the last few years, we can face challenge after challenge together. The joint work of all components of the nation has moved the wheels of transformation with certainty. The results can begin to be enjoyed, from urban to rural areas, in all corners of the country.

The second awakening is the most important moment for us today. We must look to the future with optimism, confidence and conviction. Progress is on the horizon. We must seize this moment so that we can fulfill our dream as a nation. It is no longer possible for us to walk slowly, because we are racing against time. At this point, all the potential of our natural resources, our demographic bonus, the potential of our digital transformation, become the basic capital towards "Golden Indonesia 2045".