The Center for Pancasila Studies (PSP) UGM from 21 to. 23 September 2012 at the Candran tourism village in Kebonagung, Imogiri, Bantul, was holding training for high school students to enhance personality and character of students to have social awareness, love for the nation, independent, honest, responsible and able to act positively to contribute ot the nation.
Prior to the training, participants enjoyed dances from Kalimantan. During training, students stayed at residents’ homes as form of learning for interaction and communication. Staying with residents is an important part in the programme as it refers to community based education so that students gain education and blending with socio-cultural values in the society. “Students are expected to be able to learn from society and with society. The socio-cultural dimensions that have become values are local wisdom which are part of the on-going educational process,” said Heri Santoso, M.Hum., on UGM campus, Friday (28/9).
Heri added, the programme is expected to bring harmony for society role and aim of education in forming student’s character and identity that are based on national spirit. Activities are description on vision and mission, state defense, youths’ problems, and state symbol of Garuda Pancasila. Participants also do historical trips, painting, dragon boat race, and rice planting. “Through these activities, participants are reinforced in terms of character and identity to become state cadres who can become pioneers when they return to school and bring influence on good leadership character among thier peers,” he added.
He said this programme is held due to the more worrying condition of the youth which are far from state values, tolerance and love for the nation. The young generation tends to become destructive and disoriented. Youth misbehaviours such as street fighting, crime and others are the bad portrait of young Indonesians. “Actually, if seen through historical period, Indonesian youngsters could contribute to the country by struggling and working hard to oppose the colonialist. Even various national movements were initiated by students and youths, such as Budi Utomo, the Student’s Oath, etc," said Heri.
Activities are joined by 40 students from 4 selected schools, SMA BOPKRI 1 Yogyakarta, SMA Muhammadiyah 1 Yogyakarta, SMA Sang Timur Yogyakarta, and MAN Yogyakarta 2. It presented speakers Oki Rahadianto, M.Si. (Youth Studies Center UGM), Dinda Rizki Hutari (Putri Indonesia fromYogyakarta 2011), Letkol Drs. Holimin, S.Abd., M.Si. (Akademi Angkatan Udara Yogyakarta), A.M. Bebet Darmawan (Trainer PSP), Nanang R. Hidayat, M.Sn. (Komunitas Rumah Garuda), and Heri Santoso, M.Hum. (PSP). It is supported by Kalimantan Student Boarding House and UGM Student Regiment Unit as facilitator. Teacher from SMA Muhammadiyah 1 Yogyakarta, Dra. Niken Yuliasih, was enthusiastic with the activity.