"With the spirit of mutual cooperation, let's continue the struggle and dreams of NU founders by always pursuing the Freedom in Learning initiative," the minister said on Friday.
The “National Work Meeting and Conference of Nahdlatul Ulama Higher Education” is being hosted in Medan, North Sumatra, from Wednesday (March 8, 2023) to Friday (March 10).
The event has been themed “'Maintaining Universe, Building Civilization with Knowledge and Technology.”
Besides Makarim, Vice President Ma'ruf Amin, State Secretary Minister Pratikno, and the general chairperson of Nahdlatul Ulama’s executive board, Yahya Cholil Staquf, are participating in the meeting.
The essence of the Freedom in Learning spirit is the dream of a better education, which the founders of NU also fought for, Makarim highlighted.
The dream of a better education is being pursued through education that develops humanity and supports the growth of common sense, he said.
Moreover, Freedom in Learning — particularly the Independent Campus program — highlights the importance of combining theoretical knowledge and soft skills practice that would be useful in real life, Makarim noted.
This is to help students get ready to contribute to the nation and bring about many innovations in the future, the minister added.
Makarim then lauded students who have shown enthusiasm in developing their potential and skills, as seen by the growing number of students registering for the program every year.
Such an achievement could be made because of work from many stakeholders, including NU, he pointed out.
He affirmed that LPT NU has always encouraged all campuses that are either affiliated with it or under its management to adopt the Independent Campus program.
"This is proof that NU always becomes the forefront of transformation in the national education system," he stated.
General chairperson of the Nahdlatul Ulama executive board, Yahya Cholil Staquf, has urged LPT-NU to understand the importance of knowledge, which could serve as a noble means to develop and contribute in the future.
"We have the mandate to fight so the knowledge we have can be developed, to be contributed to reach for (greatness) for the future of mankind," he added.
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Translator: Astrid Faidlatul H, Mecca Yumna
Editor: Azis Kurmala
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