PORTALJABAR, GARUT REGENCY - Garut Regency is the locus for the implementation of the 2026 Goes to School Nationalism Seminar. This activity was officially opened by the Director of Ideology, Character, and National Insight Development of the Directorate General of Politics and General Government (Ditjen Polpum) of the Ministry of Home Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia, Sri Handoko Taruna, at the Garut Pendopo Building, Garut City District, Wednesday (28/1/2026).

This seminar is the result of a collaboration between the Directorate General of Polpum, Ministry of Home Affairs and the National Unity and Politics Agency (Bakesbangpol) of Garut Regency, with the theme "Achieving Without Losing Empathy".

Sri Handoko Taruna expressed his appreciation for the synergy that has been established, enabling the implementation of ideological and character development activities in Garut Regency. He emphasized the importance of character development and nationalism as the primary foundation for national progress.

"Thank you for your cooperation. No matter how small this activity is, I'm sure it will be of great benefit. We hope the younger generation can become agents of change, bringing positive values to the nation and state, starting with their immediate environment," he said.

He added that this seminar aims to produce a golden generation that is not only academically superior, but also has a strong sense of nationalism and high social empathy.

Meanwhile, the Regional Secretary of Garut Regency, Nurdin Yana, welcomed the trust of the Directorate General of Polpum in making Garut a locus for fostering national ideology for the younger generation.

According to him, amidst the rapid flow of information technology, the younger generation is growing up in a nearly limitless digital space. Therefore, a high level of technological adaptability must be balanced with strengthening national values to prevent the loss of identity.

"Today's young generation has the ability to network and communicate anywhere. This is why it's important to instill national values so that technological advancement remains aligned with national character," explained Nurdin Yana.

The Garut Regency Government hopes that this activity will encourage students to become more discerning in their use of social media and uphold the noble values of Pancasila in their daily lives. The event concluded with an interactive discussion between the speakers and the students. (Garut Regency Communications and Information Office/bhf)