Minister of Communication and Digital Affairs (Komdigi), Hj. Meutya Viada Hafid, B.Eng., M.IP, delivered a keynote address at the first lecture for new students of Universitas Muhammadiyah Sumatera Utara (UMSU), themed “Optimizing the Potential of Gen Z and AI Toward a Golden Indonesia.”
The event, initiated by the Faculty of Social and Political Sciences, was officially opened by Rector Prof. Dr. Agussani, MAP, and held on Monday (29/9) at the UMSU Auditorium, Jalan Muchtar Basri No. 3, Medan.
In her public lecture, Minister Meutya Hafid emphasized the crucial role of Gen Z in Indonesia’s digital development.
“Today, 229.4 million Indonesians use the internet, with Gen Z being one of the largest user groups. But don’t just be consumers—Gen Z must become producers of AI-based content and technology,” she stated.
She explained that the ministry is actively building a healthy digital ecosystem through various initiatives.
“We are developing the Garuda Spark Innovation Hub as a platform for new products and startups. In North Sumatra, the focus includes agriculture, foodtech, and trade platforms. Young people in this region are highly creative, and its economy is growing faster than the national average,” she noted.
The Minister also highlighted that AI is a defining force of the digital era.
“AI is not just an intelligent machine—it is a driver of economic and educational transformation. But its use must remain ethical, human-centered, and mindful of impacts such as the potential decline in traditional jobs,” she added.
She further encouraged universities to take an active role in building an AI talent pipeline.
“Universities, including UMSU, play a key role in shaping the AI ecosystem. Students must be equipped with soft skills, integrative thinking, innovation, integrity, and the spirit to lead Indonesia’s transformation,” she said.
Aside from discussing AI, the Minister also addressed the threats of the digital world, such as online gambling, cyber fraud, pornography, and cyberbullying.
“I ask for UMSU’s support, given its strong and wide network, to help combat online gambling and other forms of digital crime,” said Meutya.
She also stressed the need for balance in digital use.
“Digital technology is easy for young people to adopt, but we must remember digital wellness and digital detox. Don’t become overly dependent on machines. AI-generated products must also include proper attribution to respect human-created work,” she concluded.
Earlier, UMSU Rector Prof. Agussani expressed his appreciation for the Minister’s presence.
“Welcome to UMSU. Your presence is truly motivating. This is Minister Meutya Hafid’s first visit to UMSU since being appointed as Indonesia’s Minister of Communication and Digital Affairs,” he said.
The Rector highlighted that the Minister’s visit is a significant moment for the new students.
“UMSU students are fortunate to be addressed directly by the Minister. This is a valuable foundation for their academic journey,” he added.
He also mentioned the development of UMSU’s integrated campus in Desa Sampali, Deliserdang, which will serve as the venue for the Muhammadiyah–Aisyiyah Congress in 2027.
“We hope the Minister will visit UMSU’s Campus IV in the future. Her presence will support strategic collaboration in education development, especially for empowering Gen Z toward a Golden Indonesia,” he said.
The first lecture was met with great enthusiasm from hundreds of new students from four faculties. They listened attentively to the Minister’s presentation and expressed hopes of contributing to the advancement of digital technology, particularly AI.
The event was also attended by the Minister’s Expert Staff for Social, Economic, and Cultural Affairs Raden Wijaya Kusumawardhana; Special Staff Alfrendo Kautsar Ramadhan; the Minister’s Expert Assistant Ajran Afdholi (an alumnus of UMSU’s Communication Science Program, class of 2019); Dean of FISIP UMSU Assoc. Prof. Dr. Arifin Saleh Siregar, S.Sos., M.SP.; Vice Deans; and hundreds of new students from FISIP, FIKTI, FEB, and FKIP.
