Bogor – Defense Minister Prabowo Subianto has demonstrated his serious commitment to fostering a superior generation by establishing educational facilities in even the most remote areas of the country.
One of the educational institutions established by the 2024-2029 President-elect is the Defense University (Unhan), which offers education from the undergraduate level, as well as the Defense Polytechnic in Belu, Atambua, East Nusa Tenggara.
Prabowo shared his experience of the challenges faced in building educational facilities in remote areas, particularly in the defense sector. He admitted that he had faced criticism for his efforts.
“It wasn’t easy. When we were working on it, some people mocked us, saying, ‘Why build a polytechnic on top of a mountain? Prabowo is just making things up.’ We were ridiculed. But today, history has proven us right,” Prabowo stated during the graduation ceremony for 425 Unhan RI students in Bogor on Saturday, August 24.
Prabowo explained that his efforts to establish schools are part of his broader strategy to build a generation capable of competing on the global stage. He believes that preparing the best generation is the duty of every component of the nation.
“We, the older generation, must prepare all the facilities, all the tools, all the stages for the next generation,” he said.
Prabowo also noted that the establishment of schools in remote areas aligns with the directives given by President Joko Widodo (Jokowi). He mentioned that the construction of educational facilities in Papua is currently underway.
“Back then, President Jokowi entrusted me with the task of building in the most remote and border areas, and now I am also building in Papua,” he explained.
He emphasized that his efforts to provide the best facilities for the younger generation will not cease.
“We will not stop building the best places for our children,” Prabowo asserted.
The hundreds of Unhan RI students who graduated today include those from the Diploma (D3), Bachelor’s (S1), Master’s (S2), and Doctoral (S3) programs for the 2024 Academic Year.
As of now, Unhan RI offers 12 undergraduate (S1) programs and 7 diploma (D3) programs, all focused on developing competencies in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). (RR)
