Anwar Usman speaking at the Taáruf Week 2023 at Sultan Agung Islamic University of Semarang. Photo by MKRI/Hendy.

---

SEMARANG (MKRI) — Indonesia is a democratic state of law based on the 1945 Constitution as the highest norm, said Chief Justice Anwar Usman at the Ta’aruf Week 2023 organized by Sultan Agung Islamic University (Unissula), Saturday, September 9, 2023 at the university’s auditorium in Semarang, Central Java Province. He talked about “Students’ Role and Function in Realizing an Advanced and Equitable Indonesia.”

In front of 6,303 freshmen who attended the event, Chief Justice Anwar said the life of the nation and state is related to law because law grows and develops along with society. A nation can only progress through the development process. However, the process must also be based on a sense of justice.

“Development without justice will lead to inequality, but justice without development cannot create progress. Development must go hand in hand with justice without reservation because the essence of development is to fulfill the citizens’ human rights. Every country has the right to carry out development in accordance with their ideals and goals,” he explained.

Therefore, it is apt that the state goals be included in the Preamble to the 1945 Constitution the state’s founders, because the Constitution is the basic law of the nation and state, which must be fulfilled and obeyed by all elements of the nation. The ideals and goals of the state as a framework for development in the constitutions of various countries have become the collective consciousness of all word citizens.

Students’ Role

Chief Justice Anwar further explained the role of students in achieving an advanced and equitable Indonesia in the 5.0 era. This, he said, can be mapped into various fields. In education, for example, students can help develop curricula that are up-to-date and relevant to technological developments and the needs of a digital society. They can contribute in teaching digital skills, technology ethics, and data literacy, which are increasingly needed by society.

“In research and innovation, students as agents of innovation can encourage research on the importance of utilizing technology as solutions to social problems. This can be done in various fields, such as healthcare, agriculture, and renewable energy, in accordance with the needs of the community,” he explained.

Moreover, students can be the driving force of social-oriented, non-profit entrepreneurship. As digital natives, students in the digital era can now become drivers of social entrepreneurship that overcome social problems with technology-based solutions. In turn, technology is believed to help alleviate poverty, improve welfare, and create a positive impact on people’s lives.

The advocacy of political, legal, and constitutional rights of citizens is no less important. The more mateure our democratic life is, students as intellectuals can advocate for the community in more sophisticated, innovative, and effective ways. With the help of technology, so many political problems can be solved. “That way, students can move the community’s awareness and abilities to equally realize their political, legal, and constitutional rights, which are guaranteed by the state,” he said.

Despite all existing potentials, tertiary education should not forget to cultivate civilized characters in students. To become superior, exemplary human beings requires students to have strong characters, be visionary, and have integrity to contribute positively to society. Through integrity, courage, and honesty, students can inspire the young generation to make positive changes.

Students must also be urged to upheld justice and become guardians of justice and equality. With intelligence and critical thinking, they can continue fighting for justice and speaking up for their rights.

Nevertheless, despite the advancement in the digital era, the nation’s cultures, values, and identity should be maintained. This is where students can play a greater role in connecting technological adaptation with cultural adjustments in society. This is a way to help ensure that traditional values do not disappear and remain sustainable in the digital era.

At the end of his speech, Chief Justice Anwar emphasized that students have a great responsibility in building an advanced, equitable Indonesia with superior character in the era of Society 5.0. Through their roles in education, research, innovation, and advocacy, they can help shape a more advanced, noble, and civilized society. He encouraged collaboration to realize this noble vision for the glory of the Indonesian nation and state.

Author       : Utami Argawati
Editor        : Nur R.
Translator  : Tahlitha Laela/Yuniar Widiastuti (NL)

Disclaimer: The original version of the news is in Indonesian. In case of any differences between the English and the Indonesian versions, the Indonesian version will prevail.

---