Economic Optimism for a Greater Indonesia, Prof. Setyo Tri Wahyudi: Unity is Capital, Independence is the Goal
By: Ali Aminulloh
A great nation is not one preoccupied with lamenting its shortcomings.
A great nation is one capable of recognizing its strengths, utilizing its potential, and then transforming it into progress and prosperity for all its people.
Amidst the various pessimistic narratives that often fill the public sphere, Prof. Setyo Tri Wahyudi, S.E., M.Ec., Ph.D., Professor of Economics, Faculty of Economics and Business, Brawijaya University, presents a different message.
A message of optimism.
A message that Indonesia truly possesses all the requirements to become a developed nation.
He delivered this message during the Islamic New Year Commemoration of 1 Muharram 1448 Hijri at the Rahmatan Lil ‘Alamin Mosque, Ma’had Al Zaytun, on Tuesday (June 16, 2026), with the theme “Strengthening Unity to Achieve National Independence in Facing Global Challenges.”
Indonesia Has It All
According to Prof. Setyo Tri Wahyudi, many developed countries in the world grow and develop with far more limited resources than Indonesia.
In contrast, Indonesia is blessed with abundant natural resources, vast agricultural lands, extraordinary biodiversity, and a large population.
These assets are gifts that many countries lack.
Therefore, he reminded the Indonesian people not to fall into the trap of a national mentality that always feels inadequate.
On the contrary, this nation must begin to build self-confidence as a great nation capable of standing on its own two feet.
According to him, economic independence will not be born from dependence, but from confidence in the nation’s own capabilities.
Unity as Economic Capital
As an economist, Prof. Setyo sees that unity has far greater value than mere political or social symbols.
Unity is the capital of development.
Unity creates stability.
Unity builds trust.
Unity breeds collaboration.
And all of these elements are essential requirements for sustainable economic growth.
According to him, no country can build a strong economy if its people remain mired in conflict and division.
Therefore, the theme raised by Al Zaytun has a very strategic meaning.
Unity is not just a social need.
Unity is an economic necessity.
Unity is a long-term investment for the nation’s progress.
Education and Human Development
Prof. Setyo also places great emphasis on human resource development.
According to him, the current era of global competition is no longer determined solely by the wealth of natural resources.
What determines success is the quality of its people.
A nation with superior human resources will be able to manage its various potentials into economic strength.
Conversely, a nation that fails to develop its people will struggle to overcome various development challenges.
Therefore, education must be a top priority.
Education not only produces academically intelligent graduates, but also produces individuals who are productive, creative, innovative, and possess integrity.
It is in this context that Prof. Setyo sees the importance of Al Zaytun’s various educational initiatives.
Welcoming the Grand Idea of National Education
One thing that caught Prof. Setyo’s attention was the grand idea of developing integrated boarding education centers.
According to him, Indonesia needs more educational institutions capable of integrating mastery of science, character building, life skills, and strengthening national spirit.
Education cannot be carried out in a fragmented manner.
Education must be able to produce complete human beings.
Intellectually intelligent.
Moral strong.
Economically independent.
And concerned for the nation and humanity.
Therefore, the various educational innovations developed at Al Zaytun deserve to be part of the national discourse regarding the future of Indonesian education.
Global Challenges Are Opportunities
In his presentation, Prof. Setyo reminded us that the world is currently experiencing rapid change.
The development of digital technology, artificial intelligence, changes in global economic patterns, and international geopolitical dynamics present new challenges for every nation.
However, he believes that these challenges should not always be viewed as threats.
Every change also presents opportunities.
Nations that are able to adapt will reap significant benefits from these changes.
Conversely, nations that are slow to prepare will be left behind.
Therefore, Indonesia must prepare itself through education, innovation, strengthening the productive economy, and developing national character.
Looking to a Golden Indonesia with Optimism
Towards the end of the paper in his remarks, Prof. Setyo Tri Wahyudi encouraged all participants to cultivate optimism for Indonesia’s future.
He believes that the Indonesian people have all the necessary capital to become a developed nation.
What is needed is hard work, unity, visionary leadership, and a commitment to developing the Indonesian people.
According to him, the goal of realizing an independent, advanced, and prosperous Indonesia is not impossible.
Like other great nations in the world, Indonesia has the same opportunity to achieve progress if it can manage its potential well.
From the Rahmatan Lil ‘Alamin Al Zaytun Mosque, Prof. Setyo Tri Wahyudi delivered a message that seemed simple yet profound:
Never doubt Indonesia’s future.
Because this nation has the resources, the people, the culture, and the unity necessary to become a great nation.
And when unity is maintained and education continues to be strengthened, national independence will no longer be merely an ideal.
It will become a reality that can be passed down to future generations.**
Indramayu, June 19, 2026
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