SPEECH OF THE MINISTER OF EDUCATION AND CULTURE
AT THE FLAG CEREMONY TO COMMEMORATE THE 70TH ANNIVERSARY OF INDEPENDENCE
THE REPUBLIC OF INDONESIA IN THE ENVIRONMENT
MINISTRY OF EDUCATION AND CULTURE
YEAR 2015

Peace be upon you, and Allah mercy and blessings.
Right now we are all gathered, celebrate 70 the year of independence of our beloved nation. Wherever we are, The red and white fluttered proudly. The wind of this beloved land caresses the fabric of the flag and displays our Red and White.

We have just finished singing the National Anthem of Indonesia Raya, accompanying the flag raising. A national anthem whose lyrics are muscular, reflects the spirit of the people and its rhythm evokes the noble spirit of an independent nation.

All ceremony participants, Let's look carefully at the Red and White which is already at the top of the flagpole. Let's keep it in mind. Today, We only need a few minutes to make the Red and White arrive at the top and flutter gracefully.

Let's realize that unlike us today, it took decades for the Independence Pioneers to make the Red and White reach the top. A long time filled with struggle. They give you time, thought, energy, even lives so that the Red and White can reach the top and fly in the land of our blood.

The flag does not fly because it is given. The fluttering of the Red and White is a reflection of struggle, it marks the brilliant crystal of the sweat of millions of free people in this archipelago. A sign that Mother Earth has given birth to a generation of Independence Pioneers who enable us all to now live in an independent world. This independent republic was fought for by all components, although the main ideas were formed and encouraged by educated people, a layer of society who at that time had the opportunity to obtain education. Further more, Independence was initiated and fought for not only to overthrow colonialism. but also to promote prosperity, implement social justice for all Indonesian people.

That generation has succeeded brilliantly in rolling back colonialism, now it's our turn to continue the work of this nation's history. Mr President Joko Widodo has emphasized that warning 70 This year of independence is a reminder and marker for all of us to work harder. At the State of the Nation Address in commemoration 70 year of independence of the Republic of Indonesia, Mr President Joko Widodo reminded us all, all components of the nation, so that work for the people work for the country and work for the nation. We ourselves are responsible for achieving all the noble goals of independence.

Especially for those of us who are in the world of education. The responsibility of all of us in the world of education is to complete efforts to make the nation's life smarter.. Education is an important key to seizing independence, and education is also an important key to achieve national progress and to make our nation more than just in line with other nations. Improve the quality of our education. Educate with your heart and wholeheartedly, with nobility of character, and with depth and breadth of knowledge to inspire, to be a role model.

The students I love,

Bung Karno, Bung Hatta, and the Pioneers of Independence were educated young people. They use their education to promote the progress of the nation. You are young people too, You are also educated and you also have the same opportunity to make history in this Republic. Study hard, completely and wholeheartedly. Some of you will become teachers in the future, writer, cultural person, journalist, businessman, lecturer, musician. doctor. Engineer, hakim, politician, governor, minister, even president or other possible roles today are unimaginable and don't even exist yet. It all starts with hard work these days, from this classroom, and from the work done at this school.

Hope you see the glorious struggle towards independence 1945 and the Republic's journey during 70 This year. You take lessons from history, then your next task is to make history. You are the owners of the future, Don't wait but forge your personality, develop your achievements, make friends with your friends, respect your parents and your teachers, make them the light of your life. Today you celebrate 70 the year Indonesia became independent, Please keep this in mind when Indonesia celebrates 100 year of independence then you are the ones who will lead and manage the journey of this nation. Hurry up, get ready from now on. Take our Indonesia to new heights of excellence.

Happy learning, happy work. Good hard work and best regards to all.

Happy Republic of Indonesia …!!

Wassalamu'alalkum wr wb

Anies Baswedan

For photos of the ceremony activities 17 August at SMAN 110 Jakarta, You can visit the following link: Facebook album high school country 110 Jakarta