REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, BEKASI -- The nation's future lies in the hands of teachers across Indonesia, President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) remarked in a speech to mark National Teachers' Day's main event and the Indonesian Teachers Union's (PGRI's) anniversary here, Saturday.
"I expect all teachers to continue to dedicate themselves to this nation by not only teaching but also carrying out their professional duties optimally for the future of this nation," the president noted.
According to the president, teachers should nurture and enlighten the students to build a healthy, mature, and understanding generation that believes in the principle of Bhinneka Tunggal Ika, or Unity in Diversity.
In addition, Jokowi explained that technological advancements cannot replace the role of teachers, as it is prophetic and in addition to teaching academics they also impart sound values to the younger generation.
Character education can be imparted by teachers to carry out the humanitarian mission and by probing, awakening, inviting, and encouraging the spirit of honesty and goodness in students.
"The commemoration of National Teachers' Day should offer the necessary momentum to us to prepare the younger generation that is responsive and tough," the president noted.
On the occasion, the head of state greeted and reverently paid tribute to all teachers of Indonesia by bowing down in front of tens of thousands of teachers present at the event.
"For that, I laud and highly commend all teachers in the homeland, including those in villages, remote islands, outer islands, and border areas," according to the president, who said he could serve as the head of state at this time owing to the services offered by teachers.
A total of 38 thousand people attended the peak celebration of National Teachers' Day and the 72nd Anniversary of PGRI at the Patriot Candrabhaga Stadium, in Bekasi, West Java.
Several officials who accompanied the president to the event were Minister of Education and Culture Muhadjir Effendy, West Java Governor Ahmad Heryawan, Chief of the Presidential Staff Teten Masduki, and Chairman of PGRI Unifah Rasyidin.
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