“Combating bullying, prioritizing manners, and fostering a shared sense of nationalism while listening to the national anthem, Indonesia Raya, at both national and international events”—this is the mission of the National Defense Education Program 3.0 at Cahaya Rancamaya Islamic Boarding School this year.
In collaboration with the Indonesian National Army Unit in Bogor City, Cahaya Rancamaya provides its junior and senior high school students with direct education on discipline, time management, responsibility, teamwork, and more. These valuable lessons are delivered by experienced trainers and instructors throughout the program.
The National Defense Education Program, which begins with an opening ceremony, is divided into three key stages. The first stage includes a health check, the opening ceremony, and a briefing on marching and chanting for all students. This segment, which includes both junior and senior high school students, aims to instill discipline, neatness, and solidarity while igniting the students’ enthusiasm for every activity.
This year, the program also adopts an additional mission: declaring war on bullying, promoting good manners in all behaviors (the “5 S” principles), and shaping students into disciplined, patriotic individuals. The students’ resilience will be tested during the long march, which passes through both natural landscapes and populated areas. This new addition to the program is designed to cultivate the students’ awareness of their surroundings, strengthen camaraderie, and help them become more familiar with one another.
Upon reaching the final checkpoint, students participate in mountaineering activities, where they are taught techniques and knowledge related to rappelling (descending with ropes), rope crawling, rope walking, and net climbing. These activities aim to develop agility, courage, and precision while reinforcing the value of teamwork and discipline. Additionally, outbound learning exercises focus on mental resilience, cooperation, critical thinking, and leadership skills.
Before Friday prayers, students are given time to prepare by bathing and cleaning up, followed by changing into prayer attire. During Friday prayers, students are still required to maintain discipline and adhere to the schedule. Any student found being lax or undisciplined will face consequences as agreed upon at the start of the program. This disciplined approach continues through lunch, where students must line up neatly and help each other distribute food. They are also expected to finish all the food provided, reinforcing the importance of gratitude and empathy for others.After the ISHOMA (rest, prayer, and meal) session, the National Defense Education activities resume and conclude with a closing ceremony. At the end of the ceremony, the students receive final guidance and advice from the Commander of the Ceremony, who also oversees the entire program. This reflection reinforces the purpose and values of the day’s activities. (Arief Rizki R.)
