CCN, Cilegon. On Monday, amidst an atmosphere brimming with enthusiasm and pride, the Department of Education and Culture of Cilegon City held the Gebyar Hardiknas (National Education Day Celebration) at the Official Residence of the Mayor of Cilegon, as a demonstration of their commitment to advancing the education sector. (28.08. 2023)
This Gebyar Hardiknas event reflects a spirit of promoting education that is more independent, liberated, and of higher quality. Unitedly progressing towards common goals, steadfastly facing challenges with spirit and determination. On the occasion of National Education Day, they collectively reinforce the foundation of education that serves as the key to national progress and freedom.
In this regard, Chairman of the DPRD Kota Cilegon, H. Isro Mir’aj, highlighted the necessity of enhancing moral and ethical education amidst the digital era’s influence on children’s interaction with technology. This issue calls for an active role of teachers and schools in nurturing children with patience, precision, and a strong foundation of love. Isro Mir’aj also commended the Mayor’s program that encourages higher education sustainability in Cilegon through scholarships.
“I appreciate the full scholarship program for undergraduates initiated by the Cilegon City Government and managed by Dindikbud (Department of Education and Culture) that seeks to enhance the welfare of the community,” he stated.
The importance of advancing education and enlightening the nation is also a shared focus and aspiration during the National Education Day. Achieving the nation’s goals in accordance with the 1945 Constitution necessitates joint efforts to provide quality and liberated education for all children. Isro Mir’aj emphasized the pivotal role of teachers in shaping future generations that are intelligent, morally upright, and driven to continue learning.
Over the past two years, a series of challenges have emerged, especially in confronting the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. In fact, just two years ago, no one could have envisioned overcoming this crisis. However, today stands as undeniable evidence that each individual is resilient, unafraid to confront doubt, and willing to venture into the unknown.
The third year of the Merdeka Belajar (Freedom to Learn) program, which has played a significant role in education nationwide, is a tangible embodiment of the spirit of resilience. Through Merdeka Belajar, remote islands across the nation, even reaching Cilegon City, have been touched. The Merdeka curriculum, initially launched to support teachers and students during the pandemic, has proven effective in mitigating the impact of disrupted learning. More than 140,000 educational institutions across Indonesia, including Cilegon, have embraced this curriculum. As a result, hundreds of thousands of Indonesian children have embraced learning in a more enjoyable and empowering manner.
During her speech, Head of the Cilegon Department of Education and Culture, Hj. Heni Anita, conveyed heartfelt gratitude to the Mayor, Chairman of DPRD, Secretary of Regional Government, Assistant Regional Officials, school principals, and all attendees of the event.
“We also observe the same spirit among artists and cultural practitioners. They are rising anew and creating with an even more liberated spirit. This has come to fruition thanks to our determination to establish the Abadi Kebudayaan (Cultural Perpetuity) Fund, which has eradicated geographical limitations and provided boundless support for creative expression. The positive changes we collectively advocate for are not only experienced by parents, teachers, and students but have also inspired the world through the representation of the Indonesian President in high-level conventions,” stated the Head of the Cilegon Department of Education and Culture.
The Head of the Department also expressed her pride in the crucial role played by the advocates and pioneers of Merdeka Belajar across Indonesia, including Cilegon. Despite our increasingly synchronized and rapid steps, she underscored that we have not yet reached the finish line. While strong winds and immense waves may pose challenges in the future, our spirit must never waver.
National Education Day holds tremendous historical significance, particularly in the realm of education. The theme “Merdeka Belajar” invites students to become independent learners while honing their skills. In this context, teachers are expected to create an engaging and conducive learning environment, sparking enthusiasm for learning and granting students the freedom to explore their interests and talents.
The spirit of “Merdeka Belajar” must also be coupled with responsibility. Each student is expected to be conscious of their rights and obligations in the teaching-learning process. They are also encouraged to make informed decisions and take accountability for their learning outcomes. Teachers play an essential role in aiding students’ understanding of these responsibilities and in nurturing their potentials.
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