The UGM Vocational College held a National Seminar on Applied Technology titled “The Role of Applied Research in Achieving Sustainable Development Goals” on Saturday (October 21).
Among the invitees were Professor Dadet Pramadihanto of the State Electronics Polytechnic of Surabaya; Pramusinto, the Finance Director of PT Pembangunan Perumahan Semarang-Demak; and Dr. Amich Alhumami, Deputy of Human Development, Society, and Culture Sector at the National Development Planning Agency (BAPPENAS).
The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) have 17 main points. One hundred ninety countries agreed to them on September 15, 2015, and they have become the basis for various policy formations.
SDG 9 on innovation and infrastructure is particularly a crucial part in the context of vocational education, in addition to human resource development, community empowerment, and responsible consumption and production.
One hundred ninety-seven participants from various disciplines attended this seminar. The total included 178 UGM students and 19 participants from institutions outside UGM, such as Sebelas Maret University, UIN Sunan Kalijaga, Yogyakarta State University, and other agencies.
Participants came from four different clusters: social humanities, science and technology, agrotechnology, and the health cluster. These four clusters are expected to provide insight into solutions and strategies.
Dr. Amich Alhumami explained the importance of research in supporting Indonesia’s 2045 Vision. As outlined in the development plan, Indonesia will experience a demographic bonus from 2030-2040, peaking in 2045.
This demographic bonus is a golden opportunity and a significant challenge for the nation. After experiencing it, most people will enter old age or become unproductive, significantly impacting economic productivity.
Therefore, Indonesia must formulate the right strategies to address this demographic bonus. This will allow the country to not only welcome a new era as a developed nation but also have sufficient reserves to manage the decreased productivity resulting from an aging population.
However, these efforts will only materialize with alignment and cooperation among sectors. Consistency, commitment, and strong discipline are necessary to shape the 2045 vision collectively.
Author: Tasya