AMANAH: Aceh’s Young Generation Development Platform for Global Competitiveness, to be Inaugurated by President Joko Widodo
By: Ahmad Basyr Abdullah )*
Aceh is now on the threshold of a new era with the presence of the Aneuk Muda Aceh Unggul dan Hebat (AMANAH) Building, a strategic program initiated by the State Intelligence Agency (BIN). The presence of this building is not just a physical symbol, but also a real step in preparing the young generation of Aceh to be able to compete in the increasingly competitive global industry. This program aims to empower Acehnese youth through the development of skills, creativity, and innovation. Since its inception, this program has shown a positive impact on Acehnese youth, both in the fields of art, entrepreneurship, and technology.
The inauguration of the AMANAH Building scheduled for October 15, 2024 by President Joko Widodo is a historic moment for Aceh. This building is equipped with various modern facilities such as multifunctional rooms, dormitories, and prayer rooms designed to support creative and innovative youth activities. More than just a facility, this building is a center for developing the potential of Acehnese youth in various fields, from start-up businesses to arts and culture. The presence of the AMANAH Building reflects the government’s commitment to not only developing infrastructure, but also human resources which are the main assets in building the nation.
The AMANAH program is a real manifestation of efforts to improve the quality of the young generation of Aceh. According to him, this building is a vital center for the development of youth creativity, which in turn will contribute greatly to regional economic development. This program is expected to be able to change the face of Aceh by providing opportunities for young people to work and compete at the national and global levels.
Dr. Syaifullah Muhammad, Head of the Atsiri Research Center (ARC) of Syiah Kuala University, emphasized the importance of AMANAH’s presence for the young generation of Aceh. According to him, AMANAH’s presence has provided very complete facilities. This will be a new economic driver in Aceh and facilitate the young generation to learn and develop in many fields. This shows that the AMANAH Building has a strategic role in spurring local economic growth by relying on youth creativity and innovation. In the long term, AMANAH is expected to be a catalyst for the development of the Acehnese economy based on the creative industry.
One real example of the success of the AMANAH program is the Meusaho Lam Nada singing competition which successfully identified young talents in Aceh. Nazar Apache, one of the judges in the competition, said that this competition has succeeded in honing various great talents among Acehnese youth. This is concrete evidence of how AMANAH does not only focus on developing technical skills, but also on the arts and culture that are an important part of Aceh’s identity.
In addition, the AMANAH program also pays great attention to the development of entrepreneurship and economic independence. One of the training participants, Fitriani, said that this program is very helpful in increasing the competitiveness of local Acehnese craftsmen and expanding the market for their products. Guidance from the AMANAH program has increased the competitiveness of local Acehnese craftsmen and expanded the market for their products and helped promote products to a wider market. This shows that the AMANAH program has a direct economic impact by empowering local youth to become more independent and professional in managing businesses.
In a broader context, the presence of the AMANAH Building and its programs shows that Aceh now has great potential to contribute to the national creative industry. Acehnese youth, who may have had less access to economic and creative opportunities, now have a platform to showcase their abilities. The AMANAH Building offers opportunities for Acehnese youth to learn, collaborate, and develop the skills needed to compete in this era of globalization.
With various facilities available, AMANAH Building also provides space for young innovators to experiment and develop new projects that can have a positive impact on society. For example, the technology and start-up sectors that are now growing in Aceh can get a significant boost from the facilities in this building. In addition, support from various parties, including universities, government, and the private sector, also strengthens the innovation ecosystem that is being built in Aceh.
The AMANAH program not only focuses on developing technical skills, but also on strengthening the mentality and character of Acehnese youth. The trainings held in this program aim to form youth who have an entrepreneurial spirit, professionalism, and high work ethics. This is important considering the challenges faced by today’s young generation are very complex and require the ability to adapt quickly.
Aceh may have been known for its rich history and culture, but with the AMANAH Building, Aceh is now ready to enter a new era that is more modern and innovative. Acehnese youth now have the opportunity to become the main actors in the development of their own region, and the AMANAH program provides full support to make this happen. Not only honing skills, AMANAH also plays a role in building the self-confidence and independence of Acehnese youth, so that they are ready to face global challenges.
In the future, the success of the AMANAH Building and its programs will depend heavily on the collaboration of all parties, including the government, private sector, and the community. Continuous support is needed so that AMANAH can continue to provide a positive impact on Aceh’s youth and society in general. Amid rapid global change, investment in human resources, especially the younger generation, is the right step to ensure a brighter and more competitive future for Aceh.
Thus, AMANAH Building is not only a center of creativity and innovation, but also an important foundation for the sustainable development of Aceh. Acehnese youth now have a platform that allows them to develop their potential to the fullest, and ultimately, contribute to the progress of Aceh and Indonesia as a whole.
)* The author is an MSME activist in Banda Aceh
