The Regional Leadership Council (DPD) of the Republic of Indonesia assesses that the challenge currently facing the Indonesian nation lies in the effort to produce leaders with character, integrity, and who remain committed to cultural values amidst the strong currents of globalization and technological developments.
At the 2026 National Leadership Camp event at the University of Indonesia, Depok, West Java, Saturday, Deputy Chairperson of the DPD RI GKR Hemas reminded that Indonesia has no shortage of intelligent and accomplished young people.
"One of the biggest challenges facing our nation today is not just an economic issue, not just a technological issue, but an identity issue," said GKR Hemas, as quoted from a statement received in Jakarta.
According to him, technological advances, artificial intelligence, and openness of information have presented various new opportunities for the younger generation.
However, behind this progress, he said, there are major challenges that need to be faced, namely maintaining the nation's identity and character so that it is not eroded by increasingly strong global influences.
GKR Hemas emphasized that true leadership does not arise solely from academic intelligence or technological mastery.
Because, he continued, leadership is formed by values, character, and outlook on life which form the basis for a person in making decisions and using the authority they have.
"When we talk about leadership, we are essentially talking about cultural values that form the foundation of a leader's actions," he said.
He assessed that various problems that occur in national life, including the abuse of authority and declining integrity in the public sphere, show that progress in education and economic development do not necessarily go hand in hand with strengthening character.
Therefore, he said that national development needs to be accompanied by character development rooted in Indonesian cultural values.
He emphasized that Indonesia has very strong cultural capital through the values of mutual cooperation, deliberation, mutual respect , and respect for diversity.
It is said that these various values must be the foundation for building future leadership that is able to respond to the challenges of the times without losing the nation's identity.
On the other hand, GKR Hemas believes that Indonesia currently needs a generation that is able to combine intelligence with integrity, ability with concern, and courage with wisdom in carrying out the mandate of leadership.
Therefore, he hopes that after the event, the participants of the 2026 National Leadership Camp will be able to become a generation ready to compete at the global level without abandoning their national identity.
The senator from the Special Region of Yogyakarta (DIY) also assessed that mastery of science and technology must go hand in hand with an understanding of Indonesian culture and character.
"I have many hopes: they will not only have physical and mental strength, but also that they will not abandon their national culture. Our national identity, the Indonesian nation, must be emphasized to our children," said GKR Hemas.
He added that the challenges facing the younger generation in the future will be increasingly greater and more complex, so progress and competitiveness must be built on a strong cultural foundation so that Indonesia has leaders capable of leading the nation forward without losing its identity.
