President Jokowi: Superior Human Capital Increases Global Competitiveness
President Joko Widodo inaugurated Jokowi Learning Center (JLC) Building of Kebangsaan High School (SMA Kebangsaan) at South Lampung Regency, Lampung Province, on Thursday afternoon (11/07) (Photo: Bureau of Press and Media of Presidential Secretariat/Vico)
President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo inaugurated Jokowi Learning Center (JLC) Building of Kebangsaan High School (SMA Kebangsaan) at South Lampung Regency, Lampung Province, on Thursday afternoon (11/07). On his remarks, the President emphasized the importance of the development of superior human capital to increase global competitiveness.
“I am satisfied that the students here come from 28 provinces, even from Papua land. It’s remarkable. It means that SMA Kebangsaan is recognized nationally because there are students from 28 provinces. Moreover, we need superior human capital to deal with global competitiveness,” the President said.
He further explained that although the infrastructures were good, it would be meaningless if the quality of Indonesian human capital was low. We could see it from the World Competitiveness Ranking released by the Institute for Management Development (IMD). However, Indonesian competitiveness may be at the level 27, but it was imbalanced by the education and health sector level which was at 57. Therefore, he hoped that high schools like SMA Kebangsaan could be provided all over the country.
“We can see between Indonesia and Malaysia, which country has better infrastructures. Between Indonesia and Thailand, we can see which country has better technology and innovations as well as healthcare. If all ministers, people like us who have more fortune like Pak Hatta Radjasa, Pak Boy Thohir can provide dozens high schools like SMA Kebangsaan, Indonesia’s ranking will go up and we will have superior human capital,” the President explained.
On the occasion, the President also conveyed his appreciation to SMA Kebangsaan for its environment, landscaping, and various modern facilities. SMA Kebangsaan was the right choice to apply for. Furthermore, he also emphasized that promptness was essential to address global competitiveness. Then, to reach the goal, we needed superior human capital who mastered all the required skills.
“When I enter this school, I can see beautiful environment, nice landscaping. The President of Foundation, Principal, and Pak Toto have shown me modern facilities here. Pak Zulkifli Hasan said to me that this school has a purpose to increase the standard of living of our people, especially the lower middle class. I can say it is the right choice to send the children to study here. I always say on any occasion that in the future, the fast country will beat the slow country. It is not the superpower country that will beat the small country. Then, we want to be a fast country with human capital who master technology, innovations, all required skills,” the President remarked (TGH/ABD) (GA/LW)
