Jakarta – Defense Minister Prabowo Subianto has called on Indonesia’s brightest graduates to contribute to efforts to eradicate hunger and poverty across the nation.

Speaking at the graduation ceremony for 425 students from the Republic of Indonesia Defense University (Unhan RI), covering diploma, undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral programs in Bogor, West Java, on Saturday, August 24, Prabowo expressed his optimism that Indonesia could not only achieve food self-sufficiency but also become a global food hub.

“I am very optimistic that we have the technologies that we can already use. We are going to make breakthroughs—not only achieving food self-sufficiency but also becoming the world’s food basket, my friends,” Prabowo stated.

He urged all graduates to apply their knowledge in communities across the nation, from villages to national levels.

“Bring your knowledge, bring technology, eliminate hunger, eliminate poverty,” Prabowo urged.

He further encouraged doctors, engineers, and experts to seek out the best seeds for Indonesia’s agricultural products, including rice, corn, cassava, shallots, garlic, coffee, rubber, coconut, fish, and livestock.

According to Prabowo, Indonesia desperately needs high-quality human resources who can contribute their ideas and skills to the nation’s progress.

“Your struggle is in the laboratory, and these soldiers defend the country, but you are the ones who must find breakthroughs for our people,” Prabowo said.

Concluding his address, Prabowo expressed his admiration for the Defense University’s motto, “Praditia Wiratama Negara Bakti,” which translates to “Intelligent, Skillful, and Brave Officers Ready to Serve the Nation and Country.”

“It is a very good motto. Do not abandon it; make it your standard. You must be intelligent, skillful, and brave officers, ready to serve the nation and country. After this, you must pay your respects to your parents and professors. Thank you,” Prabowo concluded.

Unhan RI currently offers 12 undergraduate (S1) programs and 7 diploma (D3) programs, focusing on developing competencies in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM).

The Indonesian Ministry of Defense also aims to produce TNI officers with Master’s and Doctoral degrees who are equipped with critical technological expertise to navigate the evolving global dynamics over the next 4-5 years. (RR)