West Lampung Regent Introduces Bung Karno to Youth Through Colouring Competition
The Regent of West Lampung, Parosil Mabsus, is introducing the figure of the Proclamation of the Republic of Indonesia, Ir. Soekarno, or Bung Karno, to the younger generation through a colouring art competition involving hundreds of kindergarten-level students in the region.
Speaking from South Lampung on Monday, the Regent stated that the activity is part of the local government’s efforts to instil national values and introduce national figures from an early age. “The Regent is intentionally organising various activities to commemorate Bung Karno Month to remember, honour, and introduce the history of Bung Karno’s struggle from an early age,” he said.
He noted that introducing the history of national heroes is vital for fostering a fighting spirit and nationalism. “Our children must know the process of achieving independence. By introducing the history of the struggle for independence early on, it is hoped that we can awaken the fighting spirit, nurture a patriotic soul, increase nationalism, and encourage self-motivation,” he added.
Parosil explained that through art and creativity, participants do not only learn about colours and images but also understand the values of struggle, unity, and patriotism inherited from Bung Karno. He hopes the activity will foster a sense of nationalism and a passion for learning, enabling students to become a character-driven generation with national insight.
In addition to the colouring competition, the local government is also promoting various educational activities that highlight the nation’s history as part of character building for the youth. Following the dialogue with the children, the series of activities continued at the Pura Mekar village reservoir, where the Regent, alongside residents and officials, released 10,000 carp seeds. Parosil stated that this action was not merely ceremonial for Bung Karno Month, but a practical application of the ‘Trisakti’ principles, specifically regarding self-sufficiency in food.
He expressed hope that the release of fish seeds would have a tangible impact by increasing fish stocks for the local community, boosting local income, and strengthening food self-sufficiency and national food security programmes in West Lampung. “From the colourful strokes of the kindergarten children to the ripples in the reservoir where seeds were released, this year’s Bung Karno Month commemoration holds a dual meaning: remembering history and planting hope,” concluded Parosil.