Bandung – Chairman of the National Education Foundation of the Republic of Indonesia, Prabowo Subianto expressed his respect for the people who always work hard to earn a halal living.
Prabowo stated this in front of hundreds of male and female graduates of the Republic of Indonesia National University (UKRI) at the Trans Convention Center, Bandung, West Java, on Thursday (29/2).
“You may be proud of being a scholar. But I, in my heart actually, I have great respect for street vendors; online motorcycle taxi drivers, meatball sellers; farmers, farm workers; daily laborers; port workers; fishermen who risk their lives to earn a living for their wives and children,” said Prabowo.
“The street vendor, every day he goes out, pushes himself through sweat, looking for food for his children and wife. That’s who we respect. They are noble. They are honest. They earn a halal living,” he continued.
Prabowo said that the knowledge of scholars must be beneficial to the ordinary people. He also reminded academics at all levels of education to prioritize the interests of the people.
“I remind you of this. Hey scholars, hey professors, hey technocrats. Your knowledge must be for your nation and your people. Your knowledge is for your nation and country,” he said.
Prabowo then advised the scholars to always seek knowledge so they can become leaders who love their country and people.
“I entrust this to the young people, be leaders who love the people,” said Prabowo.
UKRI is a campus built from the noble ideals of the Soemitro Djojohadikusumo family who want Indonesia to become a better nation. Up to now, UKRI has six faculties covering various fields of study. (SENOPATI)
