Batam, Riau Islands, Ministry of Education and Culture – Deputy Minister of Elementary and Secondary Education Fajar Riza Ul Haq visited Belakang Padang Island, also known as Penawar Rindu Island, in Batam City, on Wednesday (August 12th). During the visit, he opened a walking event to celebrate the 81st anniversary of the Republic of Indonesia and conveyed a message to students to fulfill their independence through learning and mastery of knowledge.
Deputy Minister Fajar expressed his support for the sub-district government and community organizing a series of activities to celebrate Independence Day. He stated that these activities are not solely about competitions and winning or losing, but also a momentum to build shared enthusiasm and joy.
While on the island, Deputy Minister of Primary and Secondary Education Fajar emphasized Penawar Rindu Island's location directly opposite Singapore. He described the area as the front porch of the Republic of Indonesia. "It's okay to call this place "Behind Padang," but in reality, Penawar Rindu Island is the front porch of the Republic of Indonesia," he said.
Deputy Minister Fajar proudly stated that the children living on Penawar Rindu Island represent Indonesia. Therefore, they should be proud of their nation and demonstrate patriotism. The region's location directly facing other countries is also a crucial reason for the younger generation to develop a strong sense of nationalism.
Deputy Minister Fajar then encouraged the students to interpret the struggle for independence in light of the challenges of the times. While in the past, heroes fought to repel colonial rule using sharpened bamboo spears and simple weapons, the current generation has a different approach to demonstrating and defending independence. "In the past, we lifted sharpened bamboo spears, now we lift pens," he told the marchers.
He explained that lifting the pen signifies a sincere desire to study and master knowledge. Despite the age of tablets and cell phones, he reminded the younger generation that mastering science and technology is crucial to ensuring the independence our nation's founders fought for can be fully inherited.
He further emphasized that Indonesia's development for future generations needs to be prepared now. He believes that mastering knowledge is key to ensuring the next generation can continue building and maintaining independence. This hope rests, among other things, with the children living on Belakang Padang Island, Indonesia's front porch.
Deputy Minister of Primary and Secondary Education Fajar emphasized that the spirit of independence should not only be celebrated on August 17th but should be maintained throughout the year. He expressed his appreciation to the sub-district government, teachers, parents, community leaders, and religious figures who participated in enlivening the series of independence activities on Belakang Padang Island.
As part of the visit, Deputy Minister Fajar also participated in the Great Indonesian Children's Gymnastics with children from Early Childhood Education (PAUD). This activity was part of the introduction of the 7 Habits of Great Indonesian Children Movement.
In interactions with the children, he encouraged them to understand the purpose of cultivating these seven habits. The children stated that these habits, among other things, aim to make them healthy, strong, and brave.
Through a series of activities on Penawar Rindu Island, Deputy Minister of Elementary and Secondary Education Fajar encouraged the younger generation to celebrate independence not only through celebration, but also through character building, fostering a spirit of nationalism, and seriously studying and mastering science and technology. (Writer and Photographer: Rayhan/Editor: Destian)
Bureau of Communication and Public Relations
Secretariat General
Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education
Website: kemendikdasmen.go.id
X: x.com/Kemdikdasmen
Instagram: instagram.com/kemendikdasmen
Facebook: facebook.com/kemendikdasmen
YouTube: Ministry of Education and Culture
Questions and Complaints: ult.kemendikdasmen.go.id
Press Release from the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education: kemendikdasmen.go.id/pencarian/siaran-pers
#QualityEducationforAll
#MinistryOfEducationAndEducationFriendly
