Students from SMPN 39 Jakarta explore the Presidential Palace, admire the art collection
Jakarta (ANTARA) - A group of students from State Junior High School 39 Jakarta gained their first experience exploring the interior of the Presidential Palace in Jakarta through the “Presidential Palace for School Children” programme, aimed at cultivating a sense of pride in the nation’s history.
“If I’ve been to the palace area, I’ve done it twice before, once for welcoming the Chinese PM, and this is the second time. But entering inside is the first time,” said Azhari, one of the SMPN 39 Jakarta students, quoted from a broadcast by the Press, Media, and Information Bureau of the Presidential Secretariat, on Thursday.
The presence of these pupils is part of an initiative to introduce the centre of government directly to the younger generation. They had the opportunity to enter historical rooms that have previously only been seen in textbooks or on television screens.
During the visit, the students observed various national symbols as well as the atmosphere of the President’s working environment. This experience provided new insights into how a state institution is managed with high standards of discipline and tidiness.
“It met my expectations perfectly. There are lots of photos of heroes, statues too, all neatly arranged, clean, and fragrant,” said another student, Tri Fauziah, while describing her impressions of the palace’s interior.
“I’m really impressed by some of the paintings because there are many works by famous painters there,” said Jessica regarding the beauty of the building’s designs.
The programme is considered to have a positive psychological impact on the students, encouraging them to dare to dream big. One student, Sayid Mardhatillah Akbar, who was impressed by the beauty and tidiness of the palace interior, nurtured his ambition to contribute to the country. In fact, Sayid mentioned his aspiration to become the Minister of Finance or President.
“If for the President, thank you for inviting us here, hopefully in the future our friends from other schools or our school who haven’t had the chance to come here can visit,” he said.
Pancasila Education Teacher at SMPN 39 Jakarta, Waskito Gunawan, stated that this programme has very high educational value. According to him, introducing the physical condition and working environment of the palace directly is far more effective in shaping students’ understanding of the government system.
“In my opinion, Istura (Presidential Palace for the People) is a very good programme because it introduces to the children, especially the students, what the physical condition of the palace is like as well as its working programmes,” said Waskito.