Minister expects youths to become social activists, sociopreneurs

Depok, West Java (ANTARA) - Youth and Sports Minister Dito Ariotedjo expressed hope that Indonesian youths would become social activists and sociopreneurs."Apart from our efforts to assist youth development through youth and activism organizations, we also hope that Indonesian youths in all regions can be social activists in the economic sector or sociopreneurs, who will play a crucial role in advancing the country," Minister Ariotedjo stated. The statement was made at the inauguration of the PFmuda competition during the 2023 Indonesian Social Leaders Expo, held by the University of Indonesia (UI) and Pertamina Foundation at the former's Makara Art Center, as quoted from a written statement received in Depok, West Java, Friday. ccording to Ariotedjo, the young generation's social projects competition is in line with his ministry's vision and mission to invite Indonesian youths to become agents of change. The PFmuda competition is a social responsibility program of state-run oil and gas company PT Pertamina (Persero) through the Pertamina Foundation Muda to provide an arena for youths to showcase their ideas in the context of efforts to tackle social issues in their respective environments. This initiative is outlined through inspirational, beneficial, and sustainable social project proposals. PFmuda provides varied benefits for youths keen to participate, ranging from project funding stimulus to capacity-building, project mentoring, and networking with business sectors to sustain their social projects. Meanwhile, UI Deputy Chancellor for Human Resources and Assets Dedi Priadi stated that his university is always optimistic that scientific development through academic and non-academic activities is part of the efforts to invent breakthroughs, that, in turn, will serve as the key to create positive changes in people's lives in future. On the occasion, UI and Pertamina Foundation signed a cooperation agreement that is in line with the threefold missions of higher education through the Sobat Bumi (Earth's Friends) Program. The program was implemented by planting five hectares of vegetation in the university's forest in hopes of lowering emissions to support the efforts to handle climate change issues. It is expected that the collaboration would be further elaborated with the UI-initiated forest education program. Pertamina Foundation President Director Agus Mashud S. Asngari affirmed that Pertamina provided support for Indonesian youths through the foundation in the efforts to properly implement their projects. The event is expected to help raise the sensitivity of youth to formulate sustainable solutions and elevate people's living standards.

Source: Antara News Agency