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| PMKRI Pontianak Leaders Officially Inaugurated as West Kalimantan Deputy Governor Pushes Digital Skills and English for Youth Empowerment. |
Pontianak, Indonesia – Saturday, July 12, 2025, was a big day for the students of PMKRI (Indonesian Catholic Students Association) Pontianak. They officially welcomed their new board members for the 2025–2026 period during an inauguration ceremony held at the official residence of the West Kalimantan Parliament Speaker.
Joining the event was none other than West Kalimantan’s Deputy Governor, Krisantus S.IP., M.Si., who didn’t just drop by to say congrats—he came with strong messages, inspiration, and a good dose of real talk for the next generation of leaders.
“Congrats to the newly elected team! You guys are the future of this country. Be bold, be confident, and get ready to lead,” he kicked off with a strong, encouraging tone.
More Than Just Titles – It’s About Purpose
Krisantus didn’t hold back when talking about the kind of mindset today’s youth should have. He reminded the PMKRI crew to always walk with love, leave jealousy behind, and stay true to themselves—especially when politics start playing hardball in this fast-moving global world.
“We need smart, independent thinkers. People who can act wisely and keep tolerance alive. That’s the kind of leadership our society needs,” he said seriously.
Digital Literacy and English Are the New Power Moves
One major takeaway from his speech? Youth need to level up their digital skills and language game.
“We’re living in a hyper-connected world. English isn’t just some extra subject anymore—it’s a must-have skill. If you want access to the world’s top knowledge, tech, and ideas, you need English,” he emphasized.
He explained that most of today’s scientific research, tech innovations, and even job opportunities come in English. So, mastering it is like holding a key to unlimited opportunities—whether it’s for school, work, or starting something new.
“With good English, young people in Kalimantan can learn straight from the best sources and speed up growth in our region,” he added.
Let’s Talk Local Issues Too
Krisantus also touched on something that hits closer to home—how regional development funds are distributed. He believes the formula needs a rethink, suggesting that the amount should be based on population instead of just land size.
He also made a point about managing Kalbar’s natural resources better, so the people here truly benefit. “We’ve got everything we need to succeed. What’s left is smart, fair management,” he said.
PMKRI, It’s Your Time to Shine
To wrap up, the Deputy Governor threw a challenge to the newly appointed PMKRI board—be changemakers. Be the spark that pushes Kalbar forward.
“Hold on to your values. Be independent thinkers. Build strong digital and English skills. With those tools, you’ll not only survive this fast-changing world—you’ll lead it,” he concluded.
This event wasn’t just about swearing in new leaders—it was a wake-up call for student communities across Kalimantan. The message was crystal clear:
To build a stronger, smarter, and more competitive future, we need youth who can think critically, communicate globally, and lead with integrity.