Students Nurture Dream Through Palace-for-Students Program
The Jakarta Presidential Palace on Thursday (04/16) was opened for a visit from students of State Junior High School (SMPN) 39 Jakarta through a program called “Palace for Students”. The program is more than a school visit but also an occasion to provide students with unforgettable experiences and foster pride in the country.
Azhari, a student of SMPN 39 Jakarta expressed his enthusiasm for being able to explore the Palace from the inside.
“This is my second time visiting the Palace. The first one was during the welcoming ceremony of Prime Minister of China, but it is my first time to explore the interior of the Palace,” he added.
Similar view was shared by Tri Fauziah and Najma who impressed by the majestic features of the Palace as the symbol of the state. They expressed hope to return to this Palace not as guests but as employees of the Palace.
Another student, Sayid Mardhatillah Akbar, said that the beauty of the Palace left him great impression, forging his ambition to contribute to the state as he want to be a minister of finance and president one day. He also expressed gratitude to President Prabowo and wishes that the program to reach more students from different schools.
Meanwhile, Aisyah and Jessica attracted by the architecture of the Palace and the arts collection including paintings, which broaden their knowledge and become new inspiration.
From teachers’ perspective, this program has high educational value. The Pancasila Education teacher at SMPN 39 Jakarta, Waskito Gunawan, described the activity as a concrete step in bringing students closer to the practice of governance.
“In my opinion, this is a very good program because it introduces students to the condition of the Palace, both physically and in terms of its work programs,” he said.
The “Palace for Students” program is not merely a ceremonial visit, but a bridge that connects the younger generation with the state and affirms the state’s openness to them. From those historic rooms, students gain inspiration and aspirations, that motivate them to return one day, not as witnesses, but also actors in the nation’s journey. (BPMI of Presidential Secretariat) (RAS/LW)
