Defense Minister Prabowo urges the younger generation not to think of failing from the start. If a fighter is knocked down, the most important thing is how to get up again.
“Do not think that you will fail, that you may lose. If you lose, do not admit that you have lost. Think of it as a delayed victory. If you fall, that is normal. Fighters sometimes fall and sometimes get knocked out. It is not the fall that matters. The important thing is how you get back up. If you do not pass the exam once, do not cry. Study again until you pass the exam,” he motivated.
Prabowo tipped off the graduates to traits that can lead to success, one of which is “Never stop reading”. “Second, develop your intelligence! Do not assume that intelligence is inherited. So, if I am not smart, my parents are to blame. No! You can boost your intelligence, as long as you have the will and discipline,” said the Minister.
MoD Prabowo recounted how his parent was a professor who was able to secure all his credentials because of his hard work. His father was none other than Soemitro Djojohadikoesoemo, a famous Indonesian economist appointed as a Minister in various positions during the eras of both President Soekarno and President Suharto. Prabowo commented on his father’s positive mindset. “He did what he was asked to do; then he kept positive thinking and did not give up.”