
Learn about own nation, Indo kids at Community Learning Centres urged
Published on: Friday, May 30, 2025
Published on: Fri, May 30, 2025
By: Lagatah Toyos Text Size: Aris (centre) with Indonesian children at the Mostyn Estate CLC in Kunak. TAWAU: Indonesian children studying at Community Learning Centres (CLCs) under plantation companies in Malaysia are urged to use their gadgets to seek knowledge and information about Indonesia. Chief Representative of the Consulate of the Republic of Indonesia (KRI) in Tawau, Aris Heru Utomo, said they need to learn more about their country in order to deepen their pride in being Indonesian. 'Use your mobile phones not just to search for entertainment but seek knowledge and information about Indonesia as much as possible,' he said. He noted that Indonesia is a vast country made up of over 17,000 islands, rich in natural resources and home to various ethnicities and religions. 'With a strong love for their homeland, they will understand their nation, including its geography, natural beauty and unity in diversity,' he said. He also encouraged Indonesian children in Sabah to appreciate the song 'Tanah Airku' composed by Saridjah Niung Bintang Soedibjo, better known as Ibu Sud, as it reflects national values and love for the homeland.
Advertisement 'The lyrics show that no matter where Indonesians wander, they will always love their homeland. 'To love means to be proud, to uphold the good name and to defend Indonesia through attitudes and actions… And since you are students, your actions should be to study, study and study,' he said during a visit to the Mostyn Estate CLC in Kunak, as part of the 'Consulate Goes to Community Learning Centre (CLC)' programme, which included a flag presentation ceremony by 57 of its students. He said the flag ceremony is important to nurture the spirit of Indonesian nationalism, while recognising the four national symbols: the red and white flag, the national language, the Garuda Pancasila emblem and the national anthem Indonesia Raya. He emphasised that it is the duty of all Indonesians, including students born and raised in Sabah, to honour and uphold these four symbols, which were forged by the nation's heroes. During the visit, Aris also presented a set of Pancasila Education Guidebooks for teachers and students from grades 1 to 9, along with a 2025 calendar featuring Unesco-recognised elements of Indonesia's intangible cultural heritage. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available.
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