Nurturing National Character Through the Big Screen
In an office space at the Ministry of Education and Culture’s Character Strengthening Centre (Puspeka) in Jakarta on Friday afternoon, a proposal was laid on the table. The Indonesian National Entrepreneurship Alliance (AWKI) came with an idea: to invite junior and senior high school students to create short films on national themes. Not merely a competition, but an effort to instil national values through a medium familiar to their daily lives.
AWKI Chairman Robertus Rani Lopiga sat together with his team. They were received by the Puspeka team, engaging in warm discussions about the future character of the younger generation. “In broad terms, our proposal has been accepted and we have been given a contact person to conduct further discussions,” said Robertus.
As planned, the festival titled “Nurturing National Character” will be held in the near future. Students from various regions are invited to express their ideas about national character in short film format. Values of hard work, honesty, responsibility and love for the nation are intended to be instilled through the creative process.
“Character is the primary foundation. If the younger generation has strong character, they will be able to face various challenges, including when they venture into entrepreneurship,” said Robertus.
He believes that collaboration between the world of education and the business sector can strengthen the ecosystem of character formation. The younger generation, he said, must not merely be job seekers: they must be able to create jobs, whilst upholding national values.
Head of Puspeka at the Ministry of Education and Culture Rusprita Putri Utami warmly welcomed the initiative. “Character strengthening becomes an important foundation for the younger generation so that they are able to face future challenges with a critical, independent, and integrity-driven attitude,” she said.
Now, the responsibility rests with the ministry. Rusprita will report the co-operation plan to the Secretary-General, including a request for permission to use the Tut Wuri Handayani logo. AWKI is simply waiting for good news to immediately realise the festival of their dreams.
Rainbow on Mars and the Spirit of Exploration
In Jakarta, that same afternoon, a group of filmmakers gathered in the warmth of an intimate screening of the film “Rainbow on Mars”. Director Upie Guava sat amongst the audience, watching their reactions as scenes unfolded. There is something different about this film: not just a story, but also the technology behind it.
“We feel that in this era, the literacy that stirs the spirit of children to truly grow up and conquer the world is not sufficient,” said Upie.