Yogyakarta (ANTARA) – National Development Planning Minister Suharso Monoarfa highlighted the crucial need for improving health and intelligence as key factors to capitalize on Indonesia’s upcoming demographic bonus. Speaking at the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Annual Conference 2023 (SAC) Summer Soiree for Sustainability in Yogyakarta on Sunday (November 5), Monoarfa emphasized the importance of enhancing the capabilities of Indonesia’s human resources.

According to Antara News Agency, a primary focus should be on ensuring the health of the nation’s talents, particularly aiming to free Indonesian children from stunting. He expressed his belief that mitigating stunting is essential for the healthy growth of children, enabling them to think and study effectively, thereby becoming productive members of society. The minister warned that stunting cases could impair the cognitive abilities of future generations, which would be detrimental to the country’s development.

Moreover, Monoarfa pointed out the necessity of protecting the population from catastrophic and infectious diseases. These illnesses could significantly reduce the productive periods of individuals, which is detrimental in realizing the full potential of the demographic bonus.

The minister also underscored the importance of intelligence in addition to health. “Secondly, we must be smart,” he said, advocating for a culture of diligent learning to enrich both knowledge and material wealth. He suggested that by gaining knowledge, individuals can contribute more effectively to society.

Monoarfa’s remarks at the conference reflect the Indonesian government’s focus on harnessing the demographic bonus, an opportunity arising from the country’s population dynamics, by emphasizing the health and education of its people.