MPR Deputy Speaker: Education Embodies Optimism for the Nation's Future

“To educate is in truth to instil courage, to instil aspirations for the future, even though we may not necessarily enjoy the results ourselves,” said Lestari in a written statement received in Jakarta on Thursday.

She made the remarks whilst attending the 20th anniversary celebration of the Sukma Bangsa Foundation, centred at the Sukma Bangsa School in Lhokseumawe, Aceh.

According to her, educating is not merely a process of transferring knowledge, but rather stems from a conviction that every child has the opportunity to develop into a better person.

She noted that the first cohort of Sukma Bangsa graduates are now making their mark in various countries as university lecturers, professionals and leaders in their respective fields.

Furthermore, she said, Sukma Bangsa also plays a role in humanitarian diplomacy. Through the education sector, the institution supported the negotiation process for the release of hostages in Mindanao, the Philippines, in exchange for providing free education for children in the region.

Entering its 20th year, Lestari assessed that Sukma Bangsa remains committed to upholding its core values, such as honesty, compassion, justice and respect for humanity.

“Today’s challenges are different. Technology accelerates knowledge, but technology cannot bring forth love and affection,” said Lestari.