National Education Day celebration in 2012 becomes an expression of gratitude of all educational players and organizations, local governments and stakeholders. Through efforts, care and attention, they have to develop education in the country. "On this occasion, I would like to say 'Happy National Education Day'". May all our efforts to advance the education world produce more qualified education and more access to education for the people of Indonesia as a whole," the Rector Prof. Ir. Sudjarwadi, M.Eng., Ph.D., said, leading the ceremony to commemorate the National Education Day 2012 at UGM Main Office Yard, Wednesday (2/5).
At the celebration this year, everybody should be grateful for the field of culture has returned to the 'big house' of education after more than ten years being apart, because since October 20, 2011 Ministry of Education has been transformed into the Ministry of Education and Culture. "Indeed, culture cannot be separated from education. Likewise, education cannot be separated from culture. Like the two sides of the coin, both have the same meaning and value, not to be separated from each other because in the education process there is investment of cultural values," he said, reading the speech of the Minister of Education and Culture.
In front of UGM educators and educational staff, the Rector said that advances in science and technology cause higher physical and nonphysical mobility (including culture and civilization). High mobility has given rise to dominance of a particular civilization, clash of civilizations or the formation of convergence of civilizations. In this regard the role of education is important in building a civilization based on the identity and character of the nation.
"That's why the theme of the National Education Day this year is The Rise of Indonesian Golden Generation. This theme is certainly in line with the nature of education that has been emphasized by the Father of National Education, Ki Hajar Dewantoro, whose birthday is celebrated today," he added.
Indonesia should be grateful because in the period from 2010 to 2035, Indonesia has outstanding potential of human resources in the form of productive age population. If the golden opportunity for the first time since Indonesia's independence can be managed and utilized properly, the productive-age population will become a very valuable demography (demographic dividend). "This is where the strategic role of education development becomes important. However, it is not impossible that a golden opportunity becomes a demographic disaster if we cannot manage it properly. Certainly, this is not what we hoped for," the Rector said.
The celebration of National Education Day at UGM was enlivened by the appearance of UGM Student Choir and Marching Band which sang three national songs, namely Berkibarlah Benderaku, Indonesia Pusaka, and Maju Tak Gentar.