In commemoration of the 2023 National Transportation Day, the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Kadin) held a focus group discussion (FGD) with the theme "Inspiring the Young Generation in Transportation Progress" on Sunday (17/9/2023).

Present at the discussion were Deputy Chairman of Kadin Indonesia for Transportation Denon Prawiraatmadja, Ministerial Expert Staff for Logistics and Multimodal Affairs of the Ministry of Transportation Robby Kurniawan, and Director General of Immigration of the Ministry of Law and Human Rights and Chairman of IKA Trisakti, Silmy Karim.

Denon Prawiraatmadja said, the discussion activity which coincided with the National Transportation Day 2023 was a clear evidence of close Pentahelix collaboration between the Ministry of Transportation, Kadin Indonesia and the Trisakti Transportation and Logistics Institute (ITL), as well as Transportation and Logistics stakeholders.

"This activity is also an important momentum for all of us to stay in touch, coordinate and collaborate for a bright future in the development of the transportation sector in supporting the vision of a Golden Indonesia 2045, realising Indonesia as a Sovereign, Advanced and Sustainable Archipelago," said Denon (17/9/2023).

According to him, as an archipelago, Indonesia needs reliable human resources (HR) to support smooth accessibility. For this reason, Kadin Indonesia in the Transportation Sector is ready to contribute in advancing human resources in the field of transportation in the country.

Denon, who also serves as Chairman of the Indonesia National Air Carriers Association (INACA), hopes that the Forum Group Discussion can generate new thoughts that can educate us all in creating a healthy, better transportation ecosystem, and can be used as input and can become a strategic plan for all interested parties.

"We advise that Indonesia's young generation must be at the forefront in accelerating Indonesia's economic development to become a developed, equitable and prosperous country for all people. Through the Pentahelix approach, we are determined to continue to strengthen this collaboration, continue to move forward together to create positive changes, and make Indonesia advanced," he said.

On the same occasion, Chairman of Kadin Indonesia, Arsjad Rasjid said that transport is the backbone of the national economy. Without connectivity, logistics activities will not run and will hamper economic growth.

"Alhamdulillah, in recent years infrastructure in the country has improved from 2015 to 2021. For example, the length of Indonesia's toll roads has increased by 18 per cent, the number of ports has increased by 4 per cent, and airports have increased by 5 per cent," he said.

However, according to Arsjad, it is not enough to make Indonesia an advanced and prosperous economy in 2045. There are still connectivity challenges that must be faced by Indonesia, especially since our country has islands scattered in various corners.

Meanwhile, the Rector of the Trisaksi Institute of Transportation and Logistics, Yuliantini, said that with strong determination, the Institute continues to make a significant contribution to the transport and logistics sector in Indonesia in collaboration with more than 300 industries, associations and government agencies.

"In the field of education, we have educated the younger generation with a relevant and innovative curriculum of transport and logistics management, systems and techniques, creating graduates who are ready to contribute to the Transport and Logistics industry," she said.

Yuliantini also said that every year the company carries out an internship programme with the participation of approximately 1,000 people per year, including 26 internship students in Japan facilitated by the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Kadin). The internship programme allows students to gain valuable practical experience with leading companies in the transportation and logistics industry.

"ITL Trisakti is committed to continuously developing the science of transportation and logistics in preparing the younger generation and producing graduates of advanced transportation personnel who are qualified, available and strong in entering the world of work in the transportation and logistics sector which continues to grow according to the progress of the times," he said.

Meanwhile, Chairman of the Trisaksi Alumni Association, Silmy Karim, said that the year 2045 is the Golden Indonesia and in 2050 it is predicted that Indonesia will become number four in the world economy. And all of that, he said, could be realised under several conditions.

And it all must be addressed properly by the current young generation. If not addressed properly, then the current young generation will become spectators because they cannot compete.

"The first condition is to have the courage to face challenges and not give up easily because of failure. Because by failing and not giving up easily, we will gain experience to improve the existing shortcomings," he said.

Silmy, who also serves as Director General of Immigration, said that the next requirement is to never be afraid to try an opportunity, especially by establishing good relationships with friends. This is because maintaining communication with friends will open up opportunities to move forward. But courage without calculation is also dangerous.

"With the knowledge we have, the capital of friendship plus courage, God willing, we will succeed. In addition, the main thing is to pray, do charity and last but not least ask for the blessing of the chairman of the parents," he said.