UNAIR NEWS – The Postgraduate School of Universitas Airlangga (UNAIR) hosted a seminar titled Leadership by Heart: Strategic Leadership in Realizing Indonesia Emas 2045. The event took place in International Lecture Room V, Dharmawangsa, 2nd Floor of the Postgraduate School Building, Dharmawangsa-B Campus, on Friday (March 14, 2025). The keynote speaker was Prof. Ir. Joni Hermana, MScES, PhD, former Rector of the Sepuluh Nopember Institute of Technology (ITS) from 2015 to 2019.
The seminar focused on how strategic leadership can drive positive change and accelerate progress across various sectors, including education, technology, and the economy. Futhermore, the event underscored UNAIR’s commitment to fostering academic discussions relevant to contemporary developments. This initiative aligns with UNAIR’s broader mission to cultivate future leaders equipped to guide Indonesia toward its centennial milestone in 2045.
Prof. Hermana emphasized that heart-centered leadership plays a crucial role in shaping sustainable strategies to achieve the vision of Indonesia Emas 2045. “Strong leadership rooted in humanitarian values will be the key to realizing Indonesia Emas,” he stated.
Leaders must also possess the courage to make decisions and an acute awareness of their impact on society. “A true leader does not merely focus on short-term gains but lays a solid foundation for future generations,” he added.
Challenges of leadership in the digital era
The seminar also addressed leadership challenges in the digital age, which demands adaptability to rapid changes. Prof. Hermana stressed that leaders must be lifelong learners, receptive to criticism, and capable of inspiring their teams. “A great leader not only provides direction but also serves as a role model for those around them,” he noted.
He further highlighted the importance of trust within a team. Success depends on mutual confidence among team members, and leaders must demonstrate consistency between words and actions. “If a leader speaks without backing their words with action, they will lose credibility and struggle to gain cooperation,” he asserted.
Organizational transformation
Prof. Hermana explained that major organizational changes can occur either unexpectedly (unplanned change) or through deliberate strategies (planned change). The Indonesia Emas 2045 initiative represents a carefully designed transformational shift, classified as second-order change or transformational change. “Such a transformation requires leaders to be both adaptive and democratic. Organizational culture must evolve to meet contemporary needs,” he explained.
One significant shift involves institutions and companies that previously relied on central government funding now being expected to generate their own revenue. “This type of change often faces resistance as it challenges existing paradigms and comfort zones,” he added.
Resistance is a natural reaction to change, as many individuals feel a loss of stability. However, leaders must remain steadfast in executing strategic transformations. “Initially, change may be met with opposition. But if pursued consistently, people will gradually adapt and accept it,” Prof. Hermana concluded.
Author: Ameyliarti Bunga Lestari Editor: Edwin Fatahuddin
