PORTALJABAR, BANDUNG CITY - Deputy Mayor of Bandung, Erwin, believes that a true leader is not enough to just be academically smart.

There are three pillars that every prospective leader must have. The three are Intellectual Quality—the ability to think critically and strategically in solving problems, Spiritual Quality—the foundation of faith and moral values that serve as a compass in leadership, and Emotional Quality—the ability to control emotions, empathize, and build social relationships.

"A leader is someone who is able to invite, persuade, and even if necessary force others towards goodness. But to be effective, he must have a strong intellectual, spiritual, and emotional foundation," he said.

Erwin revealed this when providing motivation and leadership insight to hundreds of participants in the 2025 Digitech University Student Leadership Training (LKM) at Yonkav 4 Kijang Cakti, Jalan Salak, Bandung City (3/5/2025).

In an interactive session, Erwin explained four leadership typologies that are commonly found in society.

The four are Charismatic Leaders—leaders who are naturally followed because of their authority and charm, Authoritarian Leaders—leaders who are rigid, closed to criticism, and impose their will, Liberal Leaders—leaders who only give orders without providing direction or guidance, and Democratic Leaders—leaders who are open to discussion and involve all parties in decision making.

He encouraged Digitech University students to hone their democratic leadership style, as this style is considered the most relevant in the context of inclusive and collaborative future leadership.

Erwin emphasized that the Bandung City Government (Pemkot) is opening up collaboration space as widely as possible for the younger generation.

He invited students to not only study in class, but also to be part of social change.

"I am ready for an audience anytime. If you have any ideas, thoughts, or programs, let's build Bandung together. We are preparing Bandung Smart City, and we need you, the young generation with a vision," he said enthusiastically.

He gave the example of the achievements of young people from Bandung who recently created a film entitled Jumbo and succeeded in attracting the attention of the international public.

“At a young age, they rocked the world. You can too!” Erwin said.

He hopes that in the future, future leaders will emerge from the students who attend, ranging from successful entrepreneurs, members of the People's Representative Council (DPR), mayors, governors, to presidents.