THE CHALLENGE OF THE YOUNG GENERATION AS AGENT OF CHANGE - Ustad Budi Ashari

THE CHALLENGE OF THE YOUNG GENERATION AS AGENT OF CHANGE

As agents of change, young people can no longer think linearly (one way), but must think circularly (from all directions). By doing so, young people can become real agents of change.

Young age is productive age. At this productive age, young people can play an important role in the survival of the nation and state. In this era, where the world is tied to the development of digital technology, the younger generation is expected to be at the forefront of making change, innovation, development and peace.

First, the Challenge of Technology Domination. The presence of technology is increasingly dominant in people's lives, both in terms of scale, scope, and impact. This has given birth to digital disruption. The emergence of automation systems, artificial intelligence and the internet of things (IoT) is expected to eliminate many types of jobs that have been established so far. Some of the most obvious examples include cashiers, bank tellers, receptionists, mail carriers, telephone operators, travel agents, telemarketers, data inputs to reporters. According to a researcher from the Institute for Development of Economics and Finance (INDEF), Bhima Yudhistira, the types of work that will be disrupted due to the presence of digital technology are manufacturing (60%), transportation and warehousing (63%), retail trade (50%), agriculture , forestry, fisheries and labor (49%), and construction (45%). Although it is suspected that these jobs are not types of work with limited skills, the loss of these jobs has an impact on various sectors. Therefore, in the future, the biggest rivals that need to be watched out for by the younger generation are not individuals from prestigious university graduates, but the latest applied technology. The solution that must be done by the younger generation is to increase intellectual insight, social awareness and integrity.

Second, the Challenges of Emerging Market Countries. Countries that are dubbed as emerging market countries are countries that have very fast economic growth, industrialization and modernization. Examples are China, India, Mexico, Brazil and Turkey. As a result, world business actors will focus on these emerging market countries. So there is uncertainty if in the future Indonesia will only return to being a spectator and not the main player. This is a big challenge that lies on the shoulders of all elements of the nation, especially the younger generation. The solution to this challenge is to increase the ability to innovate, develop creativity, build a strong network, improve work ethic and foster a spirit of mutual cooperation.