Surabaya's GEMILANG Programme Strengthens Massive Transition from Early Childhood Education to Primary School
A major step towards national education transformation begins in the city of Surabaya through the Gerakan Magang Antar Lingkungan (GEMILANG) programme. Through the GEMILANG programme, the Surabaya City Government supports the national policy of the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education of the Republic of Indonesia regarding the 13-Year Compulsory Education Programme (1 Year of Pre-School).
The programme, initiated by Rini Indriyani, Head of the Surabaya Early Childhood Education Foundation, serves as a bridge for thousands of early childhood students to confidently move on to primary school (Sekolah Dasar or SD) without anxiety. This activity is carried out on a large scale, involving thousands of educational institutions throughout the Surabaya area.
“As many as 2,776 Kindergarten (Taman Kanak-Kanak or TK) institutions are actively participating in educational visits to the nearest primary schools between 9 and 13 February 2026,” said Rini in a written statement on Wednesday (25 February 2026).
Enthusiasm comes not only from institutions under the auspices of the Department of Education (Dispendik), but also from Raudhatul Athfal (RA) early childhood education institutions under the authority of the Ministry of Religious Affairs (Kemenag) of the Republic of Indonesia, which also joined the simultaneous movement.
Rini explained that the GEMILANG programme has several strategic objectives. First, it helps kindergarten students become more familiar with the primary school environment, fostering courage and enthusiasm to continue their education without fear.
“Secondly, it provides a fun learning experience through storytelling or games, so that children have a positive perception of primary school,” said Rini.
The third objective is to establish communication and collaboration between kindergarten teachers and primary school teachers, so that primary school teachers better understand the characteristics of kindergarten students and kindergarten teachers become more familiar with the primary school curriculum.
The GEMILANG programme is designed as a strategic bridge to ensure a smooth educational transition through several key points. First, a Warm Welcome and School Tour, where kindergarten students are warmly welcomed and invited to get to know the various school facilities so that they do not feel unfamiliar with the primary school environment.
Secondly, Mental Preparedness & Learning Together, where through storytelling and games, kindergarten students participate in learning in the first grade of primary school to foster courage and enthusiasm for school. Thirdly, Curriculum Synergy, which creates a space for collaboration between kindergarten teachers and primary school teachers so that they can understand each other’s characteristics and the curriculum of each level.
Fourthly, Integrated Mapping, where data collection is carried out comprehensively through coordination of the Kindergarten Head Working Group (K3TK) and the Primary School Head Working Group (K3SD) at the sub-district level.
To ensure its effectiveness, Rini mobilises the Early Childhood Education Foundation at the sub-district and village levels to conduct direct monitoring using special instruments. This monitoring includes evaluating activities, the impact on teachers and parents, and documenting publications on social media.
“We want to ensure that every child in Surabaya gets their right to experience a smooth school transition. This is a real step in successfully establishing the foundation of the 13-Year Compulsory Education Programme, including 1 Year of Pre-School, which is being promoted by the central government,” explained Rini.
Although carried out on a large scale, Rini emphasised that this activity still prioritises the essence of education in a simple way, without the need for excessive celebrations or art performances.
“Through this movement, Surabaya reaffirms its commitment as a city that focuses on quality education from an early age, in line with the grand vision of national education,” concluded Rini. (ADV)
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