Jakarta, August 18, 2026 — Six employees of the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education (Kemendikdasmen) received the Satyalancana Karya Satya Medal of Honor from the President of the Republic of Indonesia, Prabowo Subianto. The badge was awarded by the Minister of Primary and Secondary Education (Mendikdasmen), Abdul Mu'ti, at the 81st Independence Day Ceremony in the courtyard of the Kemendikdasmen office in Jakarta on Monday (August 17).
The award is given to those who are loyal to Pancasila, the 1945 Constitution of the Republic of Indonesia, the state, and the government and have served honestly and with discipline for 10, 20, or 30 years. The recipients are Nunuk Suryani and Mansur (30 years), Yudhistira Nugraha and Tuti Wibowo (20 years), and Eka Yuli Arisanti and Vidy Binsar Ferdianto (10 years).
Abdul Mu'ti said the award served as a reminder that the independence we fought for is a trust that must be safeguarded. "In this moment of independence, let us uphold the trust of independence by providing the best possible service to the nation and state," Abdul Mu'ti said. He also urged educators to maintain unity and fulfill independence with concrete work to provide quality education.
On the same occasion, the Director General of Teachers and Education Personnel, Nunuk Suryani, expressed pride and gratitude for the award she received. She stated that the award represents state recognition for dedicated civil servants. "I feel proud and grateful that the government, especially the President, appreciates the performance of civil servants. This demonstrates the government's strong commitment to dedicated civil servants who contribute to the nation," Nunuk said.
According to Nunuk Suryani, community service evolves with changing times and technology. "Going forward, one indicator of community service will also need to look at contributions to technology-based work areas, so that community service can continue to evolve in line with the times," she said.
Following the earthquake in East Nusa Tenggara (NTT), Nunuk conveyed encouragement to employees and education professionals working under limited resources. "Disasters are something we cannot ask for and cannot avoid. What we can do is mitigate disaster risks and continue to be there to help those affected," Nunuk said.
The Ministry of Elementary and Secondary Education, Nunuk continued, has experience assisting disaster-affected areas through trauma healing and teacher training. "We have experience working in disaster-stricken areas, including providing trauma healing and training to teachers so they can help children recover quickly and avoid trauma," she said.
Amidst these limitations, a spirit of service is crucial. "Freedom for teachers today means the freedom to express themselves, develop their competencies, and convey their ideas. It's time for teachers to free their minds and themselves to continuously improve their competencies and serve their students," said Nunuk.
Meanwhile, Yudhistira Nugraha, Head of the Communications and Public Relations Bureau, a recipient of the 20th Satyalancana Karya Satya Award, interpreted it as a blessing and a reminder to be useful. "Being able to survive and serve for 20 years is certainly a blessing. Hopefully, in the future, we can continue to contribute, benefit, and innovate for the Indonesian nation, especially in driving Indonesia forward," said Yudhistira.
He acknowledged the numerous challenges facing Indonesian education today. He believes that disasters can strike at any time, requiring civil servants to be responsive and present within the community.
Before concluding the discussion, Yudhistira said, "The meaning of independence is not only felt when we commemorate Independence Day. Independence must continue to burn brightly in the lives of the people. As civil servants, we have a responsibility to support the government and be present to provide benefits to the community," he replied when asked about the meaning of independence and how to approach it as civil servants.*** (Writer & Photographer: Shaka)
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