ITS Campus, ITS News — In commemoration of National Education Day (Hardiknas), Galih Kanestri Dewi Pramujati, Chairwoman of the Dharma Wanita Persatuan (DWP) of the Sepuluh Nopember Institute of Technology (ITS), highlighted the importance of developing strong student character. This was emphasized to prevent students from becoming the “Strawberry Generation, ” fragile under pressure.

The wife of ITS Rector Prof. Dr. (HC) Ir. Bambang Pramujati, ST, MScEng, PhD, stated that although access to education and technology is increasingly open, mental challenges remain a primary concern for parents and educators. She believes that academic intelligence must be accompanied by a strong fighting spirit to navigate the increasingly complex dynamics of life.

Reflecting on the meaning of National Education Day in the current era, Dewi emphasized the need for Indonesian education to move toward a better direction. Given the challenges ahead, women, as children’s first educators, need to continue to monitor. “We’re not just ensuring that the younger generation is academically intelligent, but also strong in character and driven to fight,” she said. 

Dewi described the spirit of learning as like a cell phone battery that needs to be recharged . For a student, the most important thing is a clear intention and purpose in life. However, she also emphasized the crucial role of environmental support, especially from family, in recharging students ‘ enthusiasm for learning.

​Similarly, Dijah Listijowati Priyo Suprobo, Chair of the ITS DWP Foundation for the 2007-2011 period, also provided her perspective on educational equity in Indonesia. She highlighted the persistent disparities in educational facilities in remote areas. She argued that synergy between the government and educational institutions is essential to ensure equitable access to knowledge.

Dijah stated that internet access for e-learning and the welfare of educators remain a challenge for the government. Improving the quality of digital facilities should go hand in hand with providing appropriate recognition for teachers. “Especially regarding the welfare of teachers as the frontline of education,” Dijah emphasized.

This situation also caught the attention of the Head of the DWP Work Unit of the ITS Faculty of Science and Data Analytics, Prof. Dr. Dra. Mardlijah, MT. According to her, a program is needed to promote equitable education quality throughout Indonesia. “Adjusting educational facilities and improving teacher welfare will improve the quality of education,” said the ITS Professor of Applied Mathematics.

​Concluding her National Education Day message, Dewi encouraged all students to go beyond pursuing degrees and embrace failure as part of the learning process. She hoped ITS students would become strong learners, possessing integrity and a strong sense of social responsibility.

She believes that students must be resilient and intelligent learners. This spirit of character development aligns with efforts to achieve Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) point 4, which focuses on quality education, to produce superior human resources. “Because it is through this process that you will grow into a strong generation that will benefit many people,” Dewi concluded optimistically. (*)

Reporter: Syifa Rahmadina
Redaktur: Syahidan Nur Habibie Ash-Shidieq
Translator: Devinka Mutianeira