Jakarta. Finance Minister Sri Mulyani Indrawati addressed students following the Indonesia Emergency Alert movement that erupted last Thursday. The protests, driven by opposition to the House of Representatives’ revision of Law No. 10/2016 on Regional Elections, saw various groups, including students, celebrities, and 1998 reform activists, unite under the movement’s banner.
According to the Jakarta Metro Police, 301 individuals were arrested during the protest at the House of Representatives in Jakarta.
In her guest lecture for the “Introduction to Economics,” class at the Faculty of Economics and Business, University of Indonesia (FEB UI), Sri Mulyani urged students to uphold integrity in all aspects of their lives, emphasizing that true integrity involves more than just avoiding corruption; it encompasses honesty in everyday actions, such as not cheating and keeping promises.
“Building a strong character will lead to great achievements. My message to you is to uphold these principles no matter where you are. Integrity is your true currency, one that cannot be bought or sold. It will guide you to lead yourself and others effectively,” she said.
She underscored the significance of integrity and strong moral principles in all professions. She explained how a nation’s legal foundation and governance impact its economic success, using examples from the Americas to illustrate her points.
“Economies are built on a foundation of legal frameworks and governance. This is evident when comparing countries within the same continent but with different economic levels,” the alumna of FEB UI said. She highlighted the contrasting economic outcomes between the United States, Canada, and Latin America, attributing these differences to varying governance and legal systems.
Sri Mulyani stressed that good governance and legal systems are essential for economic progress and warned against exploitative systems that favor the powerful. She reaffirmed Indonesia’s commitment to democratic principles and discussed her daily interactions with politicians, investors, and students.
“Regardless of where I am—whether interacting with my grandchildren, being a wife, or a minister—I remain consistent in my principles,” Sri Mulyani said.
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