Gov’t Committed to Support the Scout Movement

President Jokowi attends Scout Day in Cibubur Campground, Jakarta, Wednesday (14/8). (Photo: Fitri/PR).

As the Chairperson of the National Scout Movement, President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo expressed his commitment to guide and support the Scout Movement to continue to grow and develop in the country.

“The Scout plays an important role in maintaining the unity of the Indonesian people,” President Jokowi said while attending the 58th Scout Movement Day Commemoration Ceremony, at the Cibubur Campground, Jakarta, Wednesday (14/8).

The President then ordered the Governors, Deputy Governors, Regents, Deputy Regents, Mayors, Deputy Mayors as Chairperson of the Scout Movement in their respective regions to also fully support the development of the Scout in their regions.

“The Scout Movement is a medium to train future leaders because the organization can shape Indonesian people with Pancasila soul that is resilient, noble and innovative,” the President continued.

On the occasion, President Jokowi also said that the Scout, which focused on education and character building, plays crucial role in addressing various challenges ahead, including drugs abuse, brawls, intolerance, as well as the spread of fake news, hate speech, and porn.

“The Scout also plays an important role in shaping Indonesian young generation that is helpful, resilient, patriotic, brave, and ready to keep the integrity of the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia based on Pancasila and the 1945 Constitution,” the President added.

In the meantime, President Jokowi underlined that the people of Indonesia should be grateful to live in such a diverse country, with 714 ethnic groups and more than 1,100 regional languages. He appreciated the Scout Movement who has given examples how the diversity unites all members of the Scout.

“Those differences [in religions, ethnic groups, languages] can all be united through the Scout Movement,” the President said, adding that it is in line with the country’s slogan Bhinneka Tunggal Ika—unity in diversity.

Moreover, the Scout Movement has also shown the spirit of love of nature and love among humans which can be seen through their activities in using natural resources, while always uphold Indonesia’s tradition.

He cited an example of the Scout members using bamboo, wood or ropes to make a variety of equipment, or cooking meals with available natural products when camping. In addition, they also always provide assistances to the people affected by natural disasters.

President Jokowi then advised all Scout members to stick to the code of honor of the Scout Movement and to work together in maintaining the integrity of the Republic of Indonesia. (HIM/FID/ES)

Translated by: Estu Widyamurti
Edited by: Mia Medyana