Transmigration Minister Encourages Students to Actively Participate in Organisations During Visit to SMPN 1 Pandeglang
The Minister of Transmigration, M. Iftitah Sulaiman Suryanagara, has encouraged students of SMPN 1 Pandeglang to actively participate in organisations and extracurricular activities. According to him, organisational experience can train leadership, the courage to make decisions, the ability to cooperate, and responsibility from a young age.
Addressing hundreds of students and teachers, Iftitah recalled SMPN 1 Pandeglang as one of the places that shaped his character and life journey, leading to his appointment as the Minister of Transmigration.
During his school years, Iftitah was active in the Student Council (OSIS) and Scouts. The experience of leading, organising activities, working with peers, and being accountable for decisions served as essential preparation for his education, career, and service to the community.
“Experience in the OSIS and Scout organisations sufficiently prepared me for my subsequent life. Involve yourself in organisations to build character,” Iftitah stated in a written release on Monday (31/8/2026).
He noted that the benefits of organising are not only gained when one holds an official position. The process of designing activities, facing problems, working in a team, and fulfilling responsibilities provides useful tools for life.
Therefore, he urged students not only to pursue academic grades but also to use school as a place to broaden their horizons, maintain curiosity, discover interests, and shape their character.
“Develop a sense of sincerity in learning and working. What I mean by sincerity is coming to school not merely to seek grades, but to seek knowledge,” Iftitah explained.
He also emphasised that leadership is not merely about position or awards. Being a leader means being willing to shoulder responsibility and provide benefits to others.
“Being the Chairperson of the Student Council is not always easy because one must carry responsibility. But join the OSIS and various school activities. Dare to take on a role,” he asserted.
As a token of gratitude to his alma mater and support for student character development, Iftitah provided personal donations of Rp10 million each to the Student Council, Scouts, Youth Red Cross (PMR), arts activities, and the basketball club of SMPN 1 Pandeglang.
He also provided a personal donation of Rp5 million to support library operations and Rp100 million for the school prayer room. These contributions are expected to expand the space for students to study, organise, play sports, engage in arts, worship, and develop social awareness.
Furthermore, Iftitising committed to renovating the Student Council room that he once used as a base for his activities and responsibilities as Chairperson. The renovation is expected to provide a more proper space for students to discuss, plan activities, and learn leadership.
Through the Iftitah Foundation, he will also provide operational support to the Student Council amounting to Rp1 million every month, from 1 January 2027 until 31 December 2030. Part of this support will be allocated as a form of appreciation to the Student Council Chairperson for the leadership responsibilities they undertake.
The period until 2030 represents the initial stage of the programme implementation. Afterwards, the programme will be evaluated to assess its benefits, effectiveness, and potential for sustainability. The Head of SMPN 1 Pandeglang, Ruli Purnama, expressed appreciation for Minister Iftitah’s attention to the development of student activities outside of academic learning.
“Alhamdulillah, Mr. Minister. As the school authorities, we are very proud and grateful. This is an extraordinary thing, especially the support for extracurricular activities. I hope the children can take lessons from Mr. Minister’s life journey,” said Ruli.
The visit served as a moment for Minister Iftitah to return and express his gratitude to the school that helped shape him. He simultaneously reminded students that their starting point does not determine how far a person can go.
Through classroom education and organisational experience, students are expected to grow into a generation that is not only academically excellent but also possesses integrity, confidence, and care for others, ready to contribute to the community and the nation.