Theme and Logo for the 2026 National Education Day Commemoration
National Education Day (Hardiknas) is commemorated every year on 2 May. The establishment of Hardiknas refers to the birth of one of Indonesia’s educational figures, Ki Hadjar Dewantara.
The theme and logo for Hardiknas 2026 have been launched by the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education (Kemendikdasmen). The theme and logo are outlined in the Circular Letter (SE) of the Minister of Basic and Secondary Education Number 8844/T/MDM.A5/HM.01.00/2026 on Guidelines for Commemorating National Education Day in 2026.
Theme for Hardiknas 2026
The theme for Hardiknas 2026, as determined by Kemendikdasmen, is “Strengthening Universal Participation, Realising Quality Education for All”. Through this theme, all elements and individuals in education in Indonesia are expected to strengthen their commitment to the importance and strategic nature of education for the nation’s civilisation and competitiveness. The theme also serves as a reminder of Ki Hadjar Dewantara’s struggles and encourages nationalism.
Logo for Hardiknas 2026
Based on the guidelines distributed by the Ministry of National Education, there is a logo that represents the spirit of Hardiknas. The visual elements of the logo include a blue-coloured figure, an elliptical arc, and the colours used.
The figure or human silhouette in the logo is blue, reflecting readiness to play a role and contribute to realising the vision of quality education for all.
The elliptical arc symbolises forward movement, protection, and continuity. This element represents the revitalisation of educational units through improvements in facilities and infrastructure, strengthening the school ecosystem, and equitable distribution of educational services throughout Indonesia.
The colours used in this logo are blue and orange, with blue being dominant. This reflects trust, intelligence, professionalism, and a bright future.
The Hardiknas logo can be used and placed in the upper right corner or opposite the Tut Wuri Handayani logo, either in portrait or landscape media formats. The logo can be downloaded via the following link: s.id/Logo_Hardiknas_2026
History of Hardiknas
Formal education began to be taught in Indonesia when the Dutch Government implemented the ethical policy or policy of goodwill. One of its impacts was the opening of schools for the native population of the Dutch East Indies. Unfortunately, this education could not be accessed by all levels of society; only children from the upper classes could enjoy it.
Several figures, including Raden Mas Soewardi, were among those who advocated for opening access to education for all levels of society. Although he was a noble, he did not remain silent seeing the suffering of his fellow countrymen.
RM Soewardi was a young man with sharp thoughts and writings. Some of his writings were published in local newspapers. One of the most poignant was his article titled Als ik een Nederlander was or If I Were a Dutchman. He was exiled to the Netherlands along with his friend, known as the three musketeers, because of that writing.
His struggles in the Netherlands actually gave Soewardi many insights regarding education, which he brought back to the Dutch East Indies. In 1922, he founded the Taman Siswa School in Yogyakarta. This educational institution could be attended by various levels of society. Although intimidated by the Dutch, Taman Siswa did not falter.
When he was 40 years old, Soewardi changed his name to Ki Hadjar Dewantara so that there would be no social barriers in his teaching. In 1945, the Republic of Indonesia appointed Ki Hadjar Dewantara as the first Minister of Education. He served from 2 September to 14 November 1945.
His views on education and culture became the basic philosophy of national education. Ki Hadjar Dewantara passed away in 1959 at the age of 70. His birth date on 2 May was then designated as National Education Day based on Presidential Decree Number 305 of 1959.