Minister Purbaya Remembers His Childhood at IPB Campus: Morning Walks Shaped My Resilience
Few people know the story of the childhood of Indonesia’s Minister of Finance, Dr Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa. Minister Purbaya grew up in the IPB Dramaga campus environment.
“From 1972 to 1983, I lived at the IPB Dramaga Campus, Jalan Anggrek No. 12. I remember, my house was here, and I went to school in Bogor,” said Purbaya during a public lecture by the Indonesian Minister of Finance at Grha Widya Wisuda, IPB Dramaga Campus (11/21).
During the event held by the IPB University Alumni Association (HA), he mentioned one of little Purbaya’s routines that shaped him into the tough person he is today: morning walks.
He recounted how walking to school early in the morning at that time shaped his discipline, mental toughness, and leadership character today.
“I was already awake at half past five. At five o’clock, I was already walking. It was two kilometers from my house to the front (of the campus). That’s why I’m tall, because I used to walk in the morning,“ he recalled.
”That was one of the things that trained me to be quite resilient in facing challenges. Because if I woke up late and was late for class, it would be troublesome. I could get scolded by the teacher,” he said again, greeted by loud laughter and admiration from the hundreds of audience members in attendance.
In the public lecture, Purbaya once again explained his views on Sumitronics ‘Sumitro Economics’, which he had mentioned on several occasions.
“This concept emphasizes rapid economic growth, equitable distribution of development benefits, and national stability as the three main pillars,” he said.
To the students of IPB University as Generation Z, Purbaya also advised them to be more serious in pursuing their education.
“Studying is not easy, but if you succeed, sweet rewards await you. More importantly, the country awaits your contribution,” he said.
He emphasized that Indonesia needs more excellent human resources to support its national economic growth targets.
“We need more smart people. So, my Gen Z friends who are currently studying, study hard, don’t be lazy. We need you to support eight percent continuously in the future,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Rector of IPB University, Prof Arif Satria, expressed his appreciation for the presence of the Minister of Finance and emphasized the relevance of the material for the academic community.
“An understanding of macroeconomics and fiscal policy is very important for IPB University students who will become policy makers in the future. The presence of the Minister provides a real perspective on the nation’s economic challenges,” said Prof Arif.
The Chair of the IPB University Alumni Association, Walneg S. Jas, added that his party is committed to strengthening the contribution of alumni to national development.
“This public lecture is a form of strategic collaboration between alumni and the campus to bring the best ideas to Indonesia,” he explained. (IAAS/LAN)
