Two Decades of Sekolah Sukma Bangsa: Nurturing Hope and Character Education in Aceh

Born from humanitarian concern following the Aceh tsunami on 26 December 2004, Sekolah Sukma Bangsa (SSB) has now grown into an educational model that prioritises character, quality, diversity, and peace. The school, which emerged from the ‘Indonesia Menangis’ programme, officially turned 20 years old on 14 July 2026. Founded by the Sukma Foundation through public donations initiated by the Media Group, this integrated school (primary, junior high, senior high) stands firmly in three locations: Pidie Regency, Bireuen Regency, and Lhokseumawe City. Its presence represents a tangible effort to rebuild the future of a generation of Acehnese devastated by natural disaster and prolonged armed conflict. The Director of Sekolah Sukma Bangsa Pidie, Marthunis Bukhari, stated that this two-decade milestone is a momentum to strengthen the commitment to providing education relevant to future challenges. ‘Twenty years is a meaningful journey. Sukma Bangsa has grown into a learning space that honours humanity, not merely chasing academic achievement, but also shaping character and hope,’ he said during a communal prayer on Tuesday (14/7). The thanksgiving commemoration was held simultaneously across the three SSB locations. In Pidie, the prayer session was led by Abi Akmal, followed by a sermon from the Executive Director of the Sukma Foundation, Ahmad Baedowi. In his address, Ahmad Baedowi urged the entire Sukma Bangsa community not to forget the services of the predecessors who laid the school’s foundations. He specifically mentioned the late Hasballah M. Saad and other figures who midwifed the birth of SSB during Aceh’s recovery period. ‘What we enjoy today is the fruit of the hard work and sincerity of many people, founders, managers, teachers, staff, and volunteers. Our gratitude must be manifested by continuing the goodness they have bequeathed to us,’ Baedowi said. He also invited the SSB community to offer prayers and appreciation to Surya Paloh, Chairman of Media Group and Head of the Sukma Foundation’s Board of Trustees. The national figure, who hails from Aceh, will celebrate his 75th birthday on 16 July 2026, just two days after the SSB anniversary. ‘His vision and commitment ensure that SSB continues to benefit the world of Indonesian education,’ he added. The Foundation’s Director of Inter-Institutional Cooperation, Victor Yasadhana, stressed that the 20th anniversary marks the start of a new journey. SSB is committed to shaping a generation of global citizens with noble character without abandoning Islamic and Indonesian values. ‘We will face new challenges and new achievements. Education here is not just about chasing grades, but ensuring positive character continues to grow,’ said the man familiarly called Pak Tongky. During the celebration in Pidie, the school introduced three figures who have served since the first cohort: Sansrisna (Teacher), Sufrida (Primary School Teacher), and Fatmawaty (Administrative Staff). Their presence symbolises unbroken dedication to education in Aceh. The event was also attended by the Sukma Foundation’s Supervisory Board and Curriculum Advisor, Syamsir Alam. A key figure in education, Syamsir is known for actively developing the literacy system at SSB, including overseeing the launch of 52 book titles written by students that have been presented at various national and international symposiums.