USU PR – Universitas Sumatera Utara (USU) held a Public Lecture entitled “Population” at the USU Student Center on Friday (10/24/2025). The event featured two main speakers: Prof. Budi Setiyono, S.Sos., M.Pol.Admin., Ph.D. (Secretary of the Ministry of Population and Family Development / Secretary General of BKKBN) and Dr. Siti Zahara Nasution, S.Kp., MNS. (Lecturer at the Department of Community Nursing, USU).

The public lecture was also attended virtually by Universitas Sari Mutiara Indonesia and was attended in person by Arif Nuryawan, S.Hut., M.Si., Ph.D., Secretary of the Directorate of Internationalization and Global Partnerships of USU.

In his remarks, the Vice Dean I of the Faculty of Social and Political Sciences (FISIP) USU, Dr. Husni Thamrin, S.Sos., MSP., stated that the issue of the golden generation is a strategic theme that must be examined within the context of national development. He assessed that the 2045 demographic bonus represents a major momentum for Indonesia to produce a superior generation with high capacity and quality.

“Human resource readiness is the main key to ensuring that the demographic bonus becomes an opportunity rather than a challenge,” he said.

Meanwhile, Prof. Budi Setiyono highlighted the importance of measurable and sustainable population development policy directions. He explained that BKKBN is currently formulating a Green Design for Population Development as well as a Government Development Roadmap to balance population growth, labor needs, and national resources.

“All components, ranging from the government and the private sector to higher education institutions, must move in a harmonious rhythm so that population-oriented development can be implemented effectively,” he explained.

Prof. Budi also emphasized the importance of public awareness in family planning as the foundation of social welfare. According to him, careful planning can prevent the emergence of social problems such as dysfunctional families.

Through the Consortium of Universities Concerned with Population (Konsorsium Perguruan Tinggi Peduli Kependudukan/PTPK), BKKBN strengthens collaboration with higher education institutions to encourage equitable population-based development in various regions.

Furthermore, Dr. Siti Zahara Nasution, S.Kp., MNS., emphasized that efforts toward Indonesia Emas 2045 depend on three main pillars: family, health, and productivity. She viewed the family as the primary foundation for shaping the character and quality of the younger generation.

“The family is the first space where children learn to become healthy, productive, and well-charactered individuals,” she stated.