Kalla teaches children how to lead

Transfer of knowledge: Former vice president Jusuf Kalla (left) takes a question from a student during a dialogue at the launch of a book on his leadership. Hundreds of students attended the event in Makassar on Saturday. – JP/Andi Hajramurni

Hundreds of children raised their hands as soon as former vice president Jusuf Kalla opened a QA session during the launch of a book titled “Let’s learn from Pak JK how to become a good leader” at Trans Studio in Makassar on Saturday.

Kalla received a barrage of questions on wide-ranging issues, including anti-corruption movement, development gap in the country, expensive books and education and his secret to success.

Not everybody was given a chance due to time limitation, but Kalla tried to please all the children.

“Their enthusiasm and spontaneity encourage me and they need responses that offer solutions,” Kalla said afterward.

When a student asked him what made him a vice president, Kalla said a leader needed intelligence, honesty, fairness and firmness.

“A class leader also requires those qualities and must be able to play a role model for others,” he said.

He asked the children to manage their time and avoid wasting it on playing or watching TV.

Kalla smiled when a student asked why Makassar did not have any zoo or learning and playground like in Jakarta. He said he and the South Sulawesi government planned to build a library that would be equipped with a playground.

At the end of the dialogue, Kalla received letters from hundreds of students from across Makassar, who could not attend the book launch.

The book, written by Husain Abdullah, is expected to inspire students who want to be leaders.