Antara News·Indonesia·Friday, August 21, 2026 at 02:49 PM

Indonesian minister urges ASEAN cooperation on youth development

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Aloysius Lewokeda, Raka Adji

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Indonesian Youth and Sports Minister Erick Thohir urged ASEAN members to jointly address youth development challenges as rapid global changes reshape technology, jobs and society.

“Our young generation is facing a world changing faster than ever before,” Erick said in a virtual address at the 14th ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Youth on Friday.

He highlighted key challenges facing young people, including artificial intelligence, technological shifts, changing labor markets, social pressures and mental health concerns.

Erick said the growing challenges make deeper ASEAN cooperation essential to equip young people with skills and resilience for the future.

Indonesia’s youth population, now about 66.8 million, is a key force in achieving the country’s Golden Indonesia 2045 vision, he said.

The Indonesian government has adopted the National Youth Grand Design to guide youth character development around three values: patriotism, resilience and empathy.

The design is implemented through flagship programs including the Wirasena Youth Exchange, Wirasena Youth Camp, National Youth Forum, and National Debate and Speech Competition.

“These serve as platforms for youth to connect, learn, build social impact projects and develop digital innovations,” Erick said.

Erick welcomed the ASEAN Work Plan on Youth 2026–2030, which focuses on digital transformation, artificial intelligence, climate resilience, mental health and entrepreneurship.

The work plan aligns with the Bali Declaration, adopted at the Southeast Asia Ministerial Meeting on Youth and Sports in Bali in May 2026.

He said ASEAN’s future will depend largely on how much its member states invest in their young people.

Erick also reaffirmed Indonesia’s readiness to strengthen youth development partnerships with ASEAN members through the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific framework.

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