Bogor, July 27, 2025 — As part of the national strategy to strengthen character education, the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education (Kemendikdasmen) in collaboration with the National Scout Movement Headquarters held the 2025 Great Indonesian Children's Camp for Junior High School Students in Ciawi, Bogor, on Friday (July 25). The two-day event was attended by 302 participants from eight regions in West Java and Jakarta, and marked an important milestone in the return of Scouting as a mandatory extracurricular activity in schools.

In his remarks, the Deputy Minister of Primary and Secondary Education (Wamendikdasmen), Fajar Riza Ul Haq, emphasized that Scouting is the nation's laboratory for leadership. Through enthusiastic, collaborative, and disciplined Scouting activities, students not only gain values-based learning but also develop the strong character needed for Indonesia's future.

"Scouts train children to become honest, responsible individuals who are ready to face the challenges of the times. We believe that character education must be developed from an early age, and Scouts is one of the most effective means," said Deputy Minister Fajar to hundreds of camp participants.

Deputy Minister Fajar delivered the good news when he announced that the government had issued Ministerial Regulation of Primary and Secondary Education (Permendikdasmen) Number 13 of 2025, which establishes Scouting as a mandatory extracurricular activity in all primary and secondary education units. This step was taken after recognizing the urgency of strengthening Pancasila values, social responsibility, and character resilience amidst the challenges of the digital era.

Embracing the Seven Habits of Great Indonesian Children, the entire camp program is designed to accustom participants to a healthy and meaningful lifestyle. The Seven Habits of Great Indonesian Children include waking up early, praying, exercising, eating healthy and nutritious food, a love of learning, socializing, and going to bed early.

In an interactive session, Deputy Minister Fajar explored participants' understanding of the relationship between the Scout Ten Commandments and the Seven Habits of Great Indonesian Children. One student confidently explained how the values of "responsibility and trustworthiness" are reflected in simple actions such as being honest when shopping for parents. Another participant demonstrated caring and courage by stating her readiness to report bullying, despite the risk of hostility from the perpetrator.

"These small values will shape great character. In the future, integrity will be more important than a diploma," said Fajar.

On the same occasion, the Director of Junior High School, Directorate General of Early Childhood Education, Elementary Education, and Secondary Education, Maulani Mega Hapsari, explained that this activity is a concrete vehicle for internalizing good habits in students' daily lives.

"All activities during the camp, from group orientation, rotation activities, friendship nights, to community outreach are designed to reflect the Seven Habits of Great Indonesian Children, which are our priority program," Mega explained.

Student testimonials attest to the effectiveness of this approach. One participant from South Tangerang said she now wakes up earlier and enjoys exercising. Another participant from Bogor expressed a greater understanding of the importance of healthy eating and a greater enthusiasm for contributing to the local community.

Meanwhile, the Chairman of the National Scout Movement, Commissioner General (Ret.) Budi Waseso, appreciated the government's strong commitment to restoring Scouting's strategic position in education. He stated that character is not formed through lectures, but through direct experiences, such as those experienced by participants during the camp.

"This camp proves that simple habits can produce a great generation. Scouting is true character education," he said.

He also warned of the latent dangers of narcotics and the negative impacts of digital technology, which can only be addressed through character resilience. He argued that the Scouting movement must serve as a moral and social bulwark for the younger generation, and therefore will continue to expand its activities throughout Indonesia.

In closing, Deputy Minister Fajar gave a message to the participants to be pioneers of goodness and bring the positive values they have learned to their schools and surrounding communities.

"Young people are the generation that will lead Indonesia in 2045. Not everyone will be president, but everyone can be a useful human being. Be honest, resilient, and have integrity, wherever you are," he said.

This activity is believed to be a model of character development that can be replicated nationally, and is an integral part of the strategy to achieve Golden Indonesia 2045—a future in which Indonesia's young generation is not only academically superior, but also morally, socially, and spiritually strong.

Bureau of Communication and Public Relations
Secretariat General
Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education

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Source: Siaran Pers Kementerian Pendidikan Dasar dan Menengah Nomor: 389/sipers/A6/VII/2025

Writer: Denty Anugrahmawaty

Editor: Denty Anugrahmawaty

PaudDikdasmen Guru Dikdasmen Sekolah Dikdasmen Murid Dikdasmen Strengthening Character Education