Bogor – Minister of Defense Prabowo Subianto mentioned that the future of the Indonesian nation in the midst of the modern era will be filled with challenges. He believes that those who will survive and excel are those who are able to work hard and smart.
“The future of our nation in the midst of modern life, the 21st century life, is a future full of challenges, obstacles, and barriers,” said Prabowo in front of 573 students at the graduation of the Indonesian Defense University (Unhan RI) in Sentul, Bogor, on Monday (12/2).
Nevertheless, Prabowo said that there are also many opportunities and chances available amidst the various heavy challenges that will be faced.
“The history of human civilization teaches us that those who will survive are those who work hard and smart, those who are disciplined and have strong will,” continued Prabowo.
In addition, he believes that people who have a strong will to achieve and are good at innovating will also survive amidst the onslaught of the times’ challenges.
“This is a historical lesson. Only a nation with young people like that (who make) the nation can excel,” he said.
Based on this, Prabowo expressed pride in the meritocratic tradition that has grown at Unhan RI. The quality of hardworking and intelligent individuals is the standard of quality for students at Unhan RI.
So far, students who have been able to study at Unhan RI do not consider their social background. Some come from farming families, port workers, and even meatball sellers in the market.
“I ask that this tradition be maintained as hard as possible,” he said.
Prabowo said that the requirements to become a Unhan RI student refer to the requirements at well-known campuses abroad.
“Because the requirements you have passed are quite high, I take the requirements from the best universities in the world, I take the requirements from Harvard, MIT (Massachusetts Institute of Technology) Stanford. So, you need to be proud,” he said.
Prabowo emphasized that Unhan RI does not accept any form of recommendation from anyone. All students are declared to have passed based on their academic abilities.
Today, Unhan RI graduated 573 students consisting of 17 Doctors; Faculty of Defense Strategy (273); Faculty of Defense Management (69); Faculty of National Security (82); Faculty of Defense Science and Technology (57); and S1 Faculty of Military Medicine (75). (SENOPATI)