"(Nurturing) a strong nationalist, Pancasilaist, moderate, and tolerant character, as well as (taking) cognizance of Bhinneka Tunggal Ika (unity in diversity) are a must," the president stated during the 77th Anniversary of the Indonesian Teachers Association (PGRI) and National Teachers' Day commemoration in Semarang, Central Java, Saturday.
He said that advanced human resources are related to each pupil's mental outlook and character, thereby stressing the need to nurture respect, honesty, good manners, hard work, and willingness to work together among pupils.
The president highlighted proficiency in science and technology, technical competencies, and physical health as aspects that advanced human resources must also possess.
A pupil, with an outstanding academic score, will have no value without good personal character and physical health, he underlined.
Meanwhile, the president also urged teachers to enhance their capacity, adapt to the current developments, and always renew their knowledge and information.
"As our education technology becomes more sophisticated, mastering new knowledge and skills relevant to current challenges and the ever-evolving world (could be done) in an instant," Jokowi remarked.
The accelerating trend of digitization reached a new level after the COVID-19 pandemic followed by the Russian invasion of Ukraine and succeeding crises in the food, energy, financial, and other sectors, he noted.
He affirmed that the Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology has conceived several programs to help teachers enhance their capability and skills.
"I am keen to emphasize the government's main programs to transform our education and bolster (efforts) to improve the quality of education throughout the country," Jokowi stated.
The president then conveyed Teachers' Day greetings and congratulated PGRI for the organization's 77th anniversary.
"Thank you, all teachers who have worked with their best dedication, and thank you (for your efforts) to educate the nation's future generations to love the Indonesian nation, country, and homeland," he remarked.
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Translator: Rangga Pandu AJ, Nabil Ihsan
Editor: Azis Kurmala
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