PORTALJABAR, BANDUNG CITY - The 117th National Awakening Day in 2025 is a special moment for 273 West Java students who have completed the Panca Waluya Gate character education at the National Defense Education Center of the Siliwangi III Military Command.

Even some of the national defense students acted as officers at the commemoration ceremony, starting from being the flag-raising troops, to carrying out a parade with 11 elite TNI/Polri troops at the end of the ceremony procession.

A touching atmosphere emerged when a number of national defense students met their parents and families after approximately 18 days of training in the military barracks.

For students whose parents do not come to pick them up, especially those who are orphans, West Java Governor Dedi Mulyadi embraces them as adopted children.

They will be sent to school until they are prepared to become TNI/Polri or attend college according to their interests.

"This is a matter of feelings, heart, and love. Which parent would not be moved when they meet their child who has changed," said Dedi Mulyadi after a series of events at Gedung Sate, Bandung City, Tuesday (20/5/2025).

KDM, Dedi Mulyadi's nickname, said that the program he initiated was an effort to build an emotional relationship between government elements and its citizens.

This program is planned to be developed into a Special West Java National School, which will remain centered at the National Defense Education Center.

However, this school will be more open to collaborating with other parties.

Cultivating a sense of nationalism

For students or learners, not only students with problems, but also other students to foster a sense of nationalism and love for the nation and state.

"So building a relationship between the state and the people is based on feeling, not a matter of territorial administration. Many people doubt it, in the end time will tell," said KDM.

"This is the first batch, two-week education," he continued.

He also expressed his gratitude to the character education participants who had shown themselves to be responsible human beings, who had hope and a future.

KDM also assured that if students are willing to seriously change and never give up their enthusiasm for learning, then whatever their dreams are, it will be more possible to achieve them.

"I am sure that tomorrow all of you will become soldiers, police, doctors, pilots, civil servants or entrepreneurs. Become farmers, firefighters or whatever, the important thing is that you become people who are useful to yourself and the environment," said KDM.

"You are not naughty children, but all of you are great children, children of Indonesia, children of West Java, and children of the future," he continued.

Meanwhile, the Chairman of the Indonesian Child Protection Agency (LPAI) Seto Mulyadi appreciated the West Java Provincial Government for the Panca Waluya character education which has graduated the first batch.

"This is a very brilliant step. How to channel the potential of every child who is basically creative, energetic, full of dynamics, but because the environment is not conducive both at home, school and social circles, they end up deviating and are directed firmly in a positive way," said Seto Mulyadi.

Periodic evaluation

Seto also continues to encourage regular evaluations, openness to constructive criticism and the involvement of psychologists to ensure that children are in good psychological condition.

He also encouraged other parties not to be embarrassed to imitate this character education program from West Java, including if this program is adopted as a national movement.

"So in this case, we appreciate it and it must still be evaluated until the end, we will follow some, there is also a team of psychologists so that if the results are positive, don't hesitate and be embarrassed to make it a national movement," said Kak Seto.

However, according to him, constructive criticism is certainly very necessary. Therefore, he invited all elements to unite to provide a conducive environment for the growth and development of great children.

"Formal and informal education in the family also needs to be complemented with non-formal education. It could be in the National Defense Education Center, libraries, sports arenas or art studios. West Java could be an example and alternative," said Seto.

He also admitted that he was moved to tears when he saw the military barracks students graduate and meet their parents and family members in person.

"Children basically need the help of love from figures such as parents, teachers, leaders, officials so that they become truly blooming flowers," said Seto.