School of Business and Management (SBM) ITB invited the Head of the National Population and Family Planning Agency (BKKBN), dr. Hasto Wardoyo, SP. OG in a guest lecture session held online, Thursday (30/10/2021). Through a lecture entitled “Entrepreneurial leadership in building public health,” Hasto shared his leadership experiences as a Doctor, The Regent of Kulon Progo, and Head of BKKBN to MBA-ITB students.
Hasto explained that before leading the BKKBN, he worked as a doctor. Hasto is used to serving the community every day, so he carries this philosophy with him when he serves in the government. He revealed that the nature of serving is vital for a leader to have, especially concerning building public health.
“When we think of it as a service, we will experience a spiritual transformation,” added Hasto. Hasto, who served as Regent of Kulon Progo for two terms, also emphasized the importance of a leader having high motivation and gratitude, and building a shared vision in the community.
Innovation for change and independence
In his career journey, Hasto also innovated to make a change. He said changes should not always begin with big steps but can be started with small steps. “I started where I could, and I did well,” he added.
Hasto, a medicine alumnus of UGM, gave an example of reducing the number of smokers in Kulon Progo, where he started by removing cigarette advertisements or banners in public places. “I started from the policy of banning cigarette advertisements in schools, then hospitals, places of worship, and offices; finally, cigarette advertisements were banned in Kulon Progo,” said Hasto.
In his presentation, Hasto also revealed the importance of innovation for independence. According to Hasto, we will not depend on foreign products and can produce them domestically with independence. He recalled how during his time as Regent of Kulon Progo he challenged the Regional Drinking Water Company (PDAM) to produce healthy drinking water for the community, so foreign brands were not needed. In addition, Hasto also took the initiative to produce rice in Kulon Progo so that Kulon Progo no longer needed rice assistance from the government.
In closing his lecture, Hasto said that innovation arises from problems, and living the problem will generate ideas. “Live the poverty and suffering to generate ideas,” concluded Hasto.
