Commemorating National Education Day, Abdul Mu'ti Expresses Gratitude to Teachers
Minister of Basic and Secondary Education (Mendikdasmen) Abdul Mu’ti specifically expressed his gratitude to teachers and education personnel during the commemoration of National Education Day on Saturday (2/5) in Banyuwangi, East Java.
Mu’ti stated that National Education Day 2026 serves as a moment of collective reflection for all education stakeholders to reaffirm the meaning of education that humanises individuals.
“The government conveys its thanks to Mr and Mrs teachers as well as the educators who have dedicated and devoted their knowledge to enlightening the nation’s life,” said Mu’ti in his speech while leading the ceremony.
He continued that essentially, education is a process carried out sincerely, full of affection to humanise humans. According to him, education is a process of discovering and developing one’s innate nature, natural disposition, or potential as a noble creature of God.
“The core of the education process is to ennoble,” he said.
Mu’ti stated that these values align with the thoughts of Ki Hajar Dewantara, who emphasised the among system in education, namely asah (knowledge), asih (affection), and asuh (guidance).
This principle serves as an important foundation in building educational practices that are not only oriented towards academic achievements but also towards character formation and humanity.
Meanwhile, in a written statement from the Ministry of Education, Agus Harianto, a teacher at SMP Negeri 1 Banyuwangi, interpreted this moment as a reminder to continue prioritising education quality, especially amid rapid technological advancements. He conveyed that his school encourages coding-based learning so that students not only become technology users but are also able to create and utilise it productively.
In line with that, Wiwik Handayani, a PAUD teacher at KB Al Khotijah Banyuwangi, views National Education Day as a reminder for educators to continue being candles that illuminate the nation’s generation.
“For the world of education, the hope ahead is for more innovations so that educators and the nation’s children are enthusiastic in pursuing education. Spirit to all teacher friends, as educators we share knowledge with our children,” she said.
Meanwhile, Muhammad Ravi Adiatma Nur Dafiq, a student at MAN 1 Banyuwangi, interprets National Education Day as an expression of thanks for the struggles of education figures and teachers who continue to build education in Indonesia.
“I hope that access to education in Indonesia can be equitable to the remotest areas, so that all children can experience equal education,” said Ravi.