Hundreds of UNU Jogja Students Attend Public Lecture on Leadership and Innovation to Navigate the Future

Yogyakarta, Indonesia – Hundreds of 2025 cohort students from Universitas Nahdlatul Ulama Yogyakarta (UNU Jogja) participated in a public lecture titled Leadership Management and Innovation held at the university's main hall on Wednesday, June 10. The event featured Joko Susilo, Director of the UNU Jogja Social Laboratory, as the keynote speaker, with apt. Nurul Faizah, M.Sc., lecturer of the Pharmacy Department, serving as moderator.

Joko Susilo is a policy analyst, foresight practitioner, and social-education activist actively engaged in leadership development, social innovation, and future studies. He has contributed to the formulation of Indonesia Vision 2045 alongside the Ministry of National Development Planning (Bappenas) and has been involved in various national strategic planning initiatives. He is also a Fellow of the Valdai Think Tank in Russia and the Nalar Institute, focusing on social transformation and sustainable development.

Dr. Taufan Jannata, Director of Academic Governance at UNU Jogja, explained that the event was part of the Leadership Management and Innovation course, designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills needed to navigate future challenges.

According to him, rapid technological advancement, global economic shifts, and complex social and environmental issues require young people to continuously adapt and strengthen their capabilities.

"We must be able to innovate and adapt to technological developments. Technology should not control us; instead, we must be capable of harnessing technology to improve human life," he said.

He added that the university intentionally invited a speaker with both academic expertise and practical experience, enabling students to gain a comprehensive perspective on leadership and innovation.

During his presentation, Joko Susilo encouraged students to begin by understanding themselves as the foundation of effective leadership. He emphasized that leadership is not merely determined by position or authority, but by integrity, communication skills, a willingness to learn, and the ability to engage in self-reflection.

He further highlighted that future leaders must possess broad perspectives, the ability to anticipate change, and the courage to make decisions based on data, scientific evidence, and long-term interests. As an example, he shared the story of a Japanese mayor who continued investing in coastal protection infrastructure despite public criticism, a decision that later saved many lives when a tsunami struck the area.

"A visionary leader must be able to look far ahead. Decisions that may seem unpopular today can become the solutions needed for tomorrow's challenges," he explained.

According to Joko, leadership in the modern era must also be grounded in empathy, active listening, and social awareness. He noted that the world is currently facing major challenges, including climate change, environmental degradation, and technological disruption that continues to reshape many aspects of life.

Therefore, he urged young people to develop technological competence while preserving human values, enabling them to become positive agents of change within society.

Closing the discussion, apt. Nurul Faizah, M.Sc., stated that the lecture served as a reminder that the future demands not only academic excellence but also the ability to adapt, innovate, and lead change. She encouraged students to view challenges as opportunities to create meaningful solutions for society.

"We hope UNU Jogja students will become a generation that is not only prepared for the future but also capable of shaping it through innovation, collaboration, and sustainable contributions to society," she concluded. [Latifah]