In Collaboration with Pijar Foundation and Banyuwangi Regency Government, LAN Prepares Banyuwangi Youth to Become Agents of Change

Banyuwangi – The future should not be something we wait for, but something we create—because how can we win the future if we merely wait for it? If we want to create and win the future, the key lies in preparing the younger generation to face its challenges and opportunities. This was emphasized by Dr. Tri Widodo Wahyu Utomo, SH, MA, Deputy for Policy Studies and Administrative Innovation (DKKIAN), in his opening remarks at the “Future Coach: Toward Digitalization, Innovation, and Collaboration” event. This program is a collaboration between the National Institute of Public Administration (LAN), Pijar Foundation, and the Banyuwangi Regency Government, held at the Minak Jinggo Hall, Banyuwangi Regency Office, Tuesday (25/6).

“Right now, we are often spectators to major changes. What we want is to become the players in those changes. We must be the ones who can mitigate shifts in strategic environments by responding appropriately within our institutions, communities, or regions—so we can leverage change to enhance our own and our region’s performance,” he said.

Tri Widodo also noted that this Future Coach program in Banyuwangi is the first of its kind in Indonesia. The first cohort consists of 40 participants, made up of 20 young civil servants (ASN) and 20 university students or members of the public from diverse backgrounds and departments.

“Even though there are only 40 participants, that’s more than enough—as long as each of them truly plays their part in driving change within their environments or institutions,” he added.

He also explained that leadership today is no longer about who holds a position, but about who brings ideas—and who, through those ideas, can inspire and influence others. That is the essence of true leadership: not position, but the ability to drive change.

“Lastly, I would like to once again express my gratitude to LAN, Pijar Foundation, and the outstanding Banyuwangi Regency Government. With collaboration, nothing is impossible. Whatever we aspire to achieve, we can realize—as long as we innovate, and innovate through collaboration,” he concluded.

On the same occasion, Choiril Ustadi Yudawanto, SIP, M.Si, Assistant for General Administration of the Banyuwangi Regency Government, expressed his appreciation and thanks to LAN and Pijar Foundation for selecting Banyuwangi as the first location for the Future Coach program.

“The selected participants will be able to collaborate with all regional work units (SKPDs) and are already starting to get involved in formulating new ideas. The challenges ahead won’t stop—and we must face them with innovation, because innovation makes things easier and brings new hope to the people of Banyuwangi. Our hope is that this young generation becomes a strong foundation for a more advanced and impactful Banyuwangi,” he said.

Meanwhile, Cazadira F. Tamzil, Director of Public Policy at Pijar Foundation, explained that one of the goals of this initiative is to encourage Future Coach participants to collaborate not only with local peers in Banyuwangi but also with other stakeholders to better promote the region.

“Through collaboration, innovation, and digitalization, we aim to build Banyuwangi into an innovation ecosystem that ultimately benefits the local economy,” she explained.

At the culmination of the training program, participants will present their capstone projects in a public forum called Townhall Muda, which will be attended by other civil servants (ASN), youth communities, state-owned enterprises, and think tanks or academic institutions. (humas)

Source: Link