International Youth Day 2024 - Speech by the Director General of Information and Communication at the Ministry of Communication and Information, Usman Kansong

Bismillahirrahmanirrahim,  

Assalamu’alaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh,  

May peace be upon us all,

Om Swastiastu,  

Namo Buddhaya,  

Greetings of Virtue.

Ms. Gita Sabharwal, UN Resident Coordinator in Indonesia,

Mr. Felipe Paullier, Assistant Secretary-General for Youth Affairs

Distinguish speakers,

The participants joining both in person and online,

And of course, to the youth of Indonesia, whom I am proud of.

First of all, let us express our gratitude to the Almighty God for His abundance of mercy and grace. We can gather on this happy day to celebrate International Youth Day 2024.

Today marks an important moment for all of us, especially for the youth. The event we are participating in together carries a theme that is highly relevant to our times: "Empowering Youth in Indonesia: Digital Pathways to a Sustainable Future." This theme underscores that our future, the future of our nation, lies in the hands of the youth, who are harnessing digital technology as a tool for transformation towards sustainability.

I am honoured to be in the presence of such enthusiastic and optimistic young people. You are the hope of our nation, the agents of change who can drive the nation forward with your bright ideas, innovations, and tireless fighting spirit. In this digital era, you have an incredible opportunity to make a meaningful impact, particularly in advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

In recent years, we have witnessed how digital transformation has profoundly impacted various aspects of life, from education and food security, health, to employment opportunities. However, we also recognise that significant challenges remain, especially for our brothers and sisters in remote areas who may not fully experience the benefits of this transformation.

The Digital Indonesia 2045 vision, crafted by the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, serves as a roadmap for the nation's digital transformation through eight key strategies. These strategies encompass the equitable distribution of digital connectivity and infrastructure, mastery of digital technology, data sovereignty and privacy protection, strengthening of cybersecurity technology and ecosystems, the creation of a digital society, the development of adaptive regulations and institutions, increased investment in digital, and fostering multi-stakeholder collaboration. This initiative aims to integrate all elements of society within a strong and inclusive digital ecosystem.

Therefore, I would like to reaffirm the government's commitment to ensure that no youth is left behind on this journey. We have and will continue to work to develop digital infrastructure, provide digital skills training, and create equitable opportunities for all youth, no matter where they are.

I would also like to take this opportunity to express my highest appreciation to the event organizers, UN in Indonesia and UNA Indonesia, for their ongoing support and collaboration with the government and various stakeholders in addressing these challenges. May this collaboration continue and grow stronger, so that together we can achieve an inclusive and sustainable future for all Indonesians.

I would also like to take this opportunity to express my deepest appreciation to the event organizers, the UN in Indonesia and UNA Indonesia, for their ongoing support and collaboration with the government and various stakeholders in addressing these challenges. May this partnership continue to flourish, so that together we can achieve an inclusive and sustainable future for all Indonesians.

I believe that you all have tremendous potential. You are a generation that is capable of presenting solutions to the various challenges facing this nation. Never hesitate to dream big and take action. Be a pioneer in digital transformation, creating a positive impact on the broader community, especially for those in the remote areas of our country.

Let us together, with a burning passion, step into a brighter future, where digitalisation is not just a tool but a bridge that connects us to a sustainable future.

Once again, I would like to thank all those who have contributed to the organisation of this event. Let us make the most of this moment to exchange ideas, inspire one another, and reinforce our commitment to building a better Indonesia

Wassalamu’alaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh.  

May peace be upon us all.