By: Cut Intan )*
The Aneuk Muda Aceh Unggul dan Hebat (AMANAH) Program is an empowerment of the young generation of Aceh initiated by the State Intelligence Agency (BIN) on the orders of President Joko Widodo to improve the capacity, skills, and potential of the young generation in Aceh to become more superior and great. The main objective of the AMANAH Program is to develop and improve the abilities of the young generation of Aceh in various fields, improve skills, and provide opportunities to contribute positively to society and regional development.
One of AMANAH’s main focuses is improving the quality of education and skills. By providing access to better education and skills training relevant to the needs of the job market, the program helps Aceh’s young generation to improve their capacity and compete at national and international levels. This includes technical training, soft skills development , and valuable practical experience.
Participants who take part in the program implemented by AMANAH will receive training and mentoring in various fields such as entrepreneurship, information technology, leadership, and other skills. In addition, participants will also get access to professional networks, scholarships, and internship opportunities. This program is free for all selected participants. All training and mentoring costs are covered by the program.
Also, to support all activities that will be carried out to encourage creativity and open career opportunities for the young generation in Aceh, BIN together with other stakeholders on the orders of President Joko Widodo built the AMANAH Aceh Central Building. This building will be inaugurated directly by President Jokowi in September 2024.
AMANAH also collaborates with educational institutions such as universities and schools to provide quality education through its programs. One of them, AMANAH made an official visit to Teuku Umar University (UTU) to establish partnerships with academics and educational institutions. This visit is a strategic step in an effort to increase the contribution of campuses and students in AMANAH programs, with a focus on developing the younger generation as drivers of innovation and change.
During this visit, the AMANAH team was received by the Dean of the Faculty of Engineering UTU, Dr. Ir. Irwansyah, ST, MT IPM, as well as several lecturers from various faculties at UTU. Dr. Irwansyah welcomed the AMANAH initiative which aims to collaborate with academics to strengthen the role of students in innovation. This collaboration is very important and can run well if it gets full support from universities. The University hopes that this initiative can continue and provide positive synergy, especially in innovations related to the agro and marine sectors.
Jasmine, AMANAH representative, explained that the program organized by AMANAH aims to provide a forum for the creativity of Acehnese youth, by developing potential in various sectors of interest. AMANAH currently has 3,255 members and focuses on seven main sectors: agriculture, animal husbandry, fisheries, MSMEs, creative economy industry, sports, and social movements. In the creative economy sector, AMANAH has started development in 18 sub-sectors that utilize the wealth of natural and human resources in Aceh.
The AMANAH program initiated by the State Intelligence Agency (BIN) is part of a commitment to improve the skills and capacity of Acehnese youth. So that it is hoped that they can contribute optimally in the fields they are engaged in. With strong support from educational institutions such as UTU, AMANAH hopes to expand the reach and positive impact of its programs.
During the discussion session, Muhammad Reza Aulia, S.Pt., M.Si., a lecturer in the Agribusiness study program, gave a positive view of AMANAH’s collaboration with the Papuan government in developing the Youth Creative Hub . He assessed that the initiative had succeeded in improving the quality of people’s welfare in Papua and hoped that similar collaborations could be implemented in Aceh.
Reza also asked several questions related to the possible forms of cooperation between AMANAH and UTU, such as funding and university involvement. Imelda from AMANAH explained that cooperation could be done in the form of lending research equipment or other support that does not involve direct funding. If the commodity develops, there is a possibility that research equipment can be donated.
The advancement of Aceh’s young generation through the programs implemented by AMANAH does not only benefit the province. By improving the quality of human resources in Aceh, this program also contributes to the economic and social development of Indonesia as a whole. A more skilled and educated young generation can contribute more to the national economy, innovate, and create new opportunities.
Furthermore, AMANAH’s success in Aceh can be a model for other regions in Indonesia. Successful programs in Aceh can be adapted and implemented in other provinces to face similar challenges and optimize the potential of the young generation throughout the archipelago.
The progress of Aceh’s youth driven by the AMANAH program is a clear example of how investment in education and skills development can bring far-reaching benefits. By improving the quality of life and skills of young people in Aceh, AMANAH contributes to national progress, strengthening social and economic integration across Indonesia. The success of this program underscores the importance of a holistic and integrated approach to developing the potential of young people in every corner of the country.
)* Communication Science Student, Teuku Umar University
