In commemoration of National Education Day (Hardiknas), Universitas Indonesia (UI) held a ceremony at the University Administration Center (PAU), on Thursday (2/5). The Rector of UI, Prof. Ari Kuncoro, S.E., M.A., Ph.D., acted as the master of ceremonies and read a mandate from the Minister of Education, Culture, Research and Technology, Nadiem Anwar Makarim, B.A., M.B.A. The ceremony was attended by UI top management, Faculty/Vocational/School leaders and PAU education personnel.
With the theme “Moving Together, Continue Merdeka Belajar”, it was a reminder that the last five years have been a significant period in the evolution of education, especially in the Merdeka Belajar Movement initiated by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Research and Technology (Kemendikbudristek). Nadiem said that being a leader of the Merdeka Belajar awakened an understanding of the challenges and opportunities to advance the education system in Indonesia.
Transforming the vast education system is one of the main challenges. Modifying public perspectives on the learning process is also a crucial aspect that requires efforts. The realization of the importance of struggle in implementing this change is an inevitable starting point.
The Covid-19 pandemic provided an unexpected ordeal that hit education reform efforts. The impact of the pandemic has drastically changed the teaching-learning process and the social dynamics of community life. However, amidst the chaos, there are opportunities to accelerate the process of educational transformation. Collaboration and solidarity in the face of this crisis enables robust recovery and renewal efforts.
“Five years is not a short time to carry out the task of leading the Merdeka Belajar movement. However, five years is not a long time to make comprehensive changes. We are moving in the right direction, but our work is not yet done. Everything we have done must continue as a sustainable movement. Everything that has been done must be continued as a journey towards the realization of the school that we aspire to,” said Prof. Ari when reading Nadiem’s mandate.
Nadiem also said that his existence is not eternal as Minister of Education, Culture, Research and Technology. With great hope, Nadiem entrusted Merdeka Belajar to the drivers of change who never give up to bring Indonesia forward to a better future.
