Singapore, 30 October 2023 – 10 November 2023—Batch 1 of the Strengthening Indonesian Regional Leaders Programme (KPPD) has been competed. The course took place at the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy (LKYSPP) for the first two weeks, then continued at the National Resilience Institute of the Republic of Indonesia (Lemhannas RI) for one week until 17 November 2023.
This course aimed to improve the quality of human resources by implementing development programs and strengthening the leadership and public policy abilities of regional government officials in Indonesia, especially regents and mayors. This course was attended by level II regional leaders consisting of 8 regents and 7 mayors from various regions in Indonesia and a speaker of level II regional parliament. Apart from attending class sessions, participants took part in various activities held in several places supporting this course program.
This course began with a class on the topic “Global and Regional Geopolitics Trends and Their Implications on Indonesia”. After that, it continued with several classes with the topics “Leadership, Singapore’s Economic Development”; “Good Governance and Policy Making”; and “Learning Journey to Future Cities Lab Global”. The Founder and Governing Board Member of PYC, Purnomo Yusgiantoro, had the opportunity to present a session on the topic “Fireside Chat: Leadership Concepts in Various Staff and Command Schools, Training, Seminars, and Postgraduate Lectures“. This firechat session was intended to provide participants with insights regarding existing leadership models and developments as well as their implications for the development of Indonesia and the world. The former Minister of Finance of the Republic of Indonesia, Muhamad Chatib Basri, also participated on the topic “Indonesia’s Political Economy and Policy Responses” to provide his views regarding the political economy and policy responses that have developed in Indonesia.
In the first week, participants were invited to explore several topics, including geopolitics, public policy, and macroeconomics. The enthusiasm of the participants could be seen right from the start. They were straightforward and confident in expressing their opinions in every discussion.
To further explore some of the topics, the participants did not only sit-in in the class. They also had the opportunity to visit the Singapore-ETH Zurich Center and the Indonesian Embassy in Singapore. The first week of the course was concluded with a visit to Yong Siew Toh Conservatory of Music, Metropolitan Festival Orchestra, to study leadership through music. At this place, participants had the opportunity to become conductors in an orchestra, thus in the end, the unique leadership styles of each participant could be observed.
The activities for the second week of Batch I of KPPD continued with visiting several places, such as Open Government Product, Marina Barrage: Sustainable Singapore Gallery, Experiencing the Singapore River Story: Singapore River Cruise, and Singapore City Gallery. The visit aimed to provide in-depth insights to KPPD participants regarding various aspects of leadership, governance, and sustainable development. Hopefully, this overall visit will provide inspiration and practical knowledge to participants in managing their local government more effectively, innovatively, and sustainably.
In the second week, participants received the topic “Fireside Chat with Emeritus Senior Minister (ESM) Goh Chok Tong”. This was a rare opportunity for participants to listen to the thoughts and experiences of the former Prime Minister of Singapore, ESM Goh Chok Tong, a figure who has made a major contribution to the history of Singapore. In a relax and intimate atmosphere, ESM Goh Chok Tong shared his views on leadership, challenges, and changes Singapore is facing.
There was also a “Closing Dialogue with Minister Chan Chun Sing” regarding public service leadership, where on this occasion, the Minister of Education of Singapore, Chan Chun Sing, provided insights that could be implemented to prepare the education-related future in Singapore. Also the commitment for excellence in public services was inspired in order to improve the welfare and progress of society.
The Batch I of KPPD in Singapore was concluded with a private dinner hosted by the Low Tuck Kwong Foundation (LTKF). The private dinner was attended by the Minister of Home Affairs, Muhammad Tito Karnavian; PYC founder, Purnomo Yusgiantoro and Mrs. Lis Purnomo Yusgiantoro. It was also attended by the Chairperson of PYC, Filda Citra Yusgiantoro; Deputy Governor of Lemhannas RI, Maman Firmansyah; and several other important guests from Lemhannas RI, LTKF, and LKYSPP.
For the last week, the Batch I of KPPD continued its course at the National Resilience Institute of the Republic of Indonesia (Lemhannas RI). The courses at Lemhannas RI were mostly carried out in the classroom and were accompanied by discussion sessions at the end of each session. These sessions included “the History of the Constitution and State Administration System of the Republic of Indonesia in the Regional Autonomy Era”, “the Dynamics of ASEAN Regional Stability in the midst of the Indo-Pacific Crisis”, and “National Vigilance in Facing the Rise of Identity Politics”. This time, the Minister of Forestry and Environment of the Republic of Indonesia, Siti Nurbaya provided insights and views in the session on the “Philosophy of Sovereignty and Independence of SKA Management”. In the end, all KPPD Batch I activities were concluded with a closing ceremony led by the Deputy Governor of Lemhannas RI, Maman Firmansyah, by awarding the award pins and certificates to the participants. Also attending the closing ceremony were the General Secretary of Lemhannas RI, Panca Simanjuntak; Founder and Governing Board Member of PYC, Purnomo Yusgiantoro, and Chairperson of PYC, Filda Citra Yusgiantoro.
