The chairman of the People’s Consultative Assembly (MPR RI), Ahmad Muzani, delivered a National General Lecture at Institut Mpu Kuturan in Singaraja on Friday. During the lecture, he encouraged the younger generation to strengthen the spirit of national unity, reinforce the values of Pancasila, and build strong national character as the foundation toward the vision of Indonesia Emas 2045.
The arrival of the MPR RI chairman at the campus in North Bali was warmly welcomed with a performance by the Bala Goak IMK art group. The Director General of Hindu Community Guidance of the Ministry of Religious Affairs, religious leaders, representatives of the Forum Kerukunan Umat Beragama (FKUB), religious community organizations, Aliansi Cipayung Plus, and Aliansi BEM Bali Utara are alongside in the event.
The Rector of Institut Mpu Kuturan, I Gede Suwindia, stated that the national General Lecture marked an important momentum to strengthen the institution’s commitment to fostering national awareness, unity, and youth character through education.
“We are truly honored that the chairman of the MPR RI has taken the time to be present among the Institut Mpu Kuturan academic community to strengthen the spirit of togetherness,” said Prof. Suwindia.
He explained that Institut Mpu Kuturan is currently continuing to improve the quality of its educational services, including the construction of a postgraduate building on Jalan Kresna, Singaraja. However, the completion of the project still requires additional budget support.
“We are currently constructing a postgraduate building. The project has entered its second phase, but it cannot yet be finalized due to budget limitations,” he added.
Meanwhile, the Director General of Hindu Community Guidance, I Nengah Duija, emphasized that the National General Lecture forms part of broader efforts to prepare an outstanding generation toward the Indonesia Emas 2045 vision as mandated by the 1945 Constitution.
He believes that universities hold a moral responsibility as centers for shaping generations who are not only intellectually capable but also possess strong national character. Viewed from Hindu perspective, the value of unity aligns with the teaching of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, which means that all humanity is one family.
“We believe that achieving the vision of Indonesia Emas 2045 requires three main pillars: excellent human resources, harmony and love for humanity, and a strong national dharma grounded in divine values,” stated Prof. Duija.
He further added that Institut Mpu Kuturan is envisioned not merely as a place of learning, but also as a laboratory for practicing the values of Pancasila and religious moderation amid Indonesia’s diversity.
During his lecture, Ahmad Muzani encouraged students to take pride in being part of Institut Mpu Kuturan, which bears the name of the historic Balinese figure known for uniting Bali during the era of the Udayana Kingdom.
He stated that the spirit of Mpu Kuturan should inspire efforts to preserve brotherhood and national unity amid increasingly complex global challenges.
“Spirituality must never destroy brotherhood. Until today, the spirit of togetherness among the people of Bali remains strong,” he remarked.
He also highlighted the major challenges Indonesia faces as it approaches its centennial year in 2045. Therefore, youth must possess adaptability, resilience, and innovative thinking to navigate global uncertainty caused by war and economic crises.
“Our challenge today is ensuring that children can eat properly, pursue affordable higher education, and secure employment after graduation. Under current conditions, this is certainly not easy,” he explained.
Ahmad Muzani also encouraged students to utilize digital technology wisely and productively. Nowadays, mobile phones can serve as tools for self-improvement, skill development, and intellectual growth when used appropriately.
“I hope students will use their mobile phones as a means to improve their quality, skills, and intellectual capacity,” he said.
During the event, he also presented findings from a national survey indicating a high level of pride among Indonesians regarding their national identity. Around 98 percent of Indonesians expressed pride in being Indonesian citizens, while 73 percent stated they were ready to defend the nation if necessary. In addition, approximately 92 percent of respondents recognized Pancasila as the foundation of the state.
“This finding shows that our national foundation is strong. Therefore, let us continue to strengthen the spirit of unity within the framework of Pancasila, the 1945 Constitution, NKRI, and Bhinneka Tunggal Ika,” he urged.
The National General Lecture also featured the ceremonial assembly of a Penjor Kebangsaan by the chairman of the MPR RI alongside with the Director General of Hindu Community Guidance, the Rector of Institut Mpu Kuturan, the Regional Secretary of Buleleng Regency, and the chairman of the Buleleng Regional Legislative Council. The procession symbolized the strengthening of national unity, harmony, and commitment to preserving local cultural values amid Indonesia’s diversity.
Editor : I Made Juni Saputra
Photographer : I Gust Ngurah Sathya Dharma
Contributed and Translated by Muhammad Mahmud Alhushori
