Garuda and Eagle: A Mexican Student’s Reflection on State Symbols at Indonesia’s Parliament
Garuda and Eagle: A Mexican Student’s Reflection on State Symbols at Indonesia’s Parliament
October 06, 2024
Contributor: Supriyono | Editor: Dadi Darmadi | Photo: Achmad Jatnika
It was a bright morning on September 24, 2024, when 15 students from Universitas Islam Internasional Indonesia (UIII), led by the International Office and Student Affairs, boarded a bus for a special visit to the Indonesian Parliament Office and House of Representatives (DPR-MPR RI) in Central Jakarta. They were attending the OIC International Youth Summit, an event organized by OIC Youth Indonesia.
Among the students was Alberto Emmanuel Conti Morales, a PhD candidate from Mexico studying at UIII’s Faculty of Education. For him, this was not just an opportunity to engage in critical discussions but also a journey through culture and symbols that stirred deep reflections on identity and nationhood.
"The place is very nice, appealing, and interesting. I never thought we would be in such a formal and important setting. I had expected something more informal, so I was pleasantly surprised," he shared, marveling at the grandeur of the building, as they arrived at Gedung Nusantara V of the parliament office.
Having visited the Mexican Parliament ten years prior, Alberto found himself comparing the two structures. "In Mexico, the parliament building is bigger, but this one feels more modern. Perhaps it's because a decade has passed since my last visit. But what really caught my attention was the difference in the atmosphere, the Indonesian parliament seems to reflect a deep sense of national pride."
Alberto was especially captivated by the Indonesian national symbols. As he sat in the parliament, his eyes were drawn to the imposing Garuda emblem, a reminder of Indonesia’s foundational values.
"In Mexico, we have a national seal too, an eagle with a snake. It’s very similar to Indonesia’s Garuda in terms of strength and symbolism. But in Indonesia, the Garuda represents more than just a national identity. It embodies the spirit of Pancasila, the philosophical foundation of the country. I found that deeply fascinating because it highlighted how much meaning Indonesians place on their symbols,” he said.
The summit Alberto visited was an annual summit held by OIC Youth Indonesia, an organization aimed at empowering and uniting young Indonesians under the values of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC). It provides a platform for youth engagement on both national and international levels, promoting collaboration, leadership, and dialogue.
As the summit began, the room filled with the voices of youth leaders and speakers, all discussing the role of young people in shaping a post-OIC world. The conversation quickly turned to the importance of religion in civil society—a topic that resonated deeply with Alberto. As someone who hails from a country where religion is increasingly seen as a personal matter, he was struck by the Indonesian emphasis on faith as a core element of national unity and progress.
"The discussion was interesting, especially because of how central religion is to society here in Indonesia. In Mexico, religion is no longer a public matter; it has become something personal, something private. But here, it's clear that religion still plays a significant role in nation-building. It was eye-opening to see how much Indonesians rely on their faith in shaping their civil society," Alberto reflected.
For Alberto, the OIC International Youth Summit was more than just a political event—it was a mirror reflecting the values of a nation, a reminder of the power of symbols and faith in shaping identity. As he left the Indonesian parliament office with his fellow students, he carried with him not only the lessons from the summit but also a deeper appreciation for the cultural richness of his host country, Indonesia.
Who says that men cannot take charge of early childhood education?
Who says that men cannot take charge of early childhood education?
October 03, 2024
Contributor: Intan Fasya Zahara & Queen Salsabila | Editor: Supriyono
For too long, the field of early childhood education has been stereotyped as a profession dominated by women. Many believe that nurturing young children, guiding their early learning, and working within early childhood development is best suited to women.
However, Muhamad Maulana and Muhammad Lutfi Assidiqi, two male students from the UIII Faculty of Education (FoE), set out to challenge this perception as they decided to intern at an organization focused on early childhood education across Southeast Asia in Bandung, West Java.
From July 22nd to August 22nd, 2024, Lutfi and Maulana, along with five other students from the faculty, participated in a month-long internship at SEAMEO CECCEP, a regional organization dedicated to early childhood care and education (ECCE) and parenting across Southeast Asia.
Lutfi, who was assigned to the Advocacy and Partnership division, found the experience particularly enriching. "I was initially nervous about how I’d be received as a male in this field, but I quickly realized that my gender didn’t matter. What mattered was my contribution to the discussions and projects,” he reflected.
Lutfi's tasks were varied and challenging. He participated in policy discussions, worked on a curriculum for Cambodia, and helped prepare reports that would later be launched internationally. “Being involved in these projects helped me see that men, too, have an important role in shaping the future of early childhood education,” he added.
Similarly, Maulana, who worked in the Research and Development (RnD) division, shared his experience of facing societal assumptions. “I’m particularly aware that the field of early childhood is often associated with women,” he said. "But during the internship, I realized how much value men can bring to this field.”
Maulana’s role involved working on parenting and the child’s transition from kindergarten to elementary school. He was particularly mesmerized by how early childhood education shapes individuals’ lives into adulthood. “We’re not just dealing with children; we’re building the foundation for future generations,” he noted.
This internship experience has allowed Lutfi and Maulana to shatter preconceived notions about men in early childhood education. Their participation not only challenged societal stereotypes but also opened doors for future male students to be involved in the field. Their spirit aligns closely with the values that UIII upholds in promoting gender equality in education, particularly in early childhood.
This internship is a component of the Independent Study course offered by the Faculty of Education, allowing students to engage in self-directed projects that contribute to their future career or research growth. In addition to partnering with organizations like SEAMEO CECCEP, students have also gained internship experience at the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI) and various international schools in Indonesia.
Exploring Interactive Read Aloud Literacy Learning and Quality Books in the Merdeka Curriculum
Durriyah, T. L., Niasari, C., & Afriyanti , I. (2024). Exploring Interactive Read Aloud Literacy Learning and Quality Books in the Merdeka Curriculum. Pedagogia: Jurnal Pendidikan, 13(2), 306-319. https://doi.org/10.21070/pedagogia.v13i2.1718
Abstract
The Indonesian government issued a policy on teacher literacy teaching competency standards, which includes teachers' ability to help students access, use, interpret, and communicate information and ideas through various texts according to students' characteristics and needs (Ministry of Education, 2022a). This study aims to promote reading aloud and interactive book selection in literacy learning for public primary school teachers in Depok, West Java, Indonesia. This qualitative case study explored teachers' understandings and practices in selecting books and integrating reading-aloud activities with learning outcomes in the Merdeka Curriculum. Six teachers participated in the study, which involved data collection through surveys, focus group discussions (FGDs), interviews, observations, and oral reflections. Using manual thematic data analysis, this study focused on teachers' practices of selecting leveled books and integrating discussions in reading aloud with Learning Outcomes. The results showed that teachers began to express their understanding of book selection. Major themes that emerged included the importance of selecting quality books and the challenges of selecting quality books. In the context of literacy learning, several themes also emerged that became teachers' reflections in conducting interactive read-aloud activities in accordance with the learning outcomes, namely benefits, awareness for better classroom preparation, interactive discussion spaces, and continuous training.
Exploring Interactive Read Aloud Literacy Learning and Quality Books in the Merdeka Curriculum
Durriyah, T. L., Niasari, C., & Afriyanti , I. (2024). Exploring Interactive Read Aloud Literacy Learning and Quality Books in the Merdeka Curriculum. Pedagogia: Jurnal Pendidikan, 13(2), 306-319. https://pedagogia.umsida.ac.id/index.php/pedagogia/article/view/1718
Korban kekerasan dalam pacaran yang sulit meninggalkan hubungannya
Ifthiharfi, R., Rizkyanti, C. A., & Akhyar, M. (2024). Korban kekerasan dalam pacaran yang sulit meninggalkan hubungannya. Jurnal Psikologi Sosial, 22(2), 163–176. https://doi.org/10.7454/jps.2024.17
The Role of Middle Leaders in Malaysian and Indonesian Schools
The Role of Middle Leaders in Malaysian and Indonesian Schools
This webinar explores the pivotal role of middle leaders in shaping the educational landscape of schools in Malaysia and Indonesia. Middle leaders, such as department heads, coordinators, and senior teachers, play a crucial role in implementing school policies, driving curriculum development, and supporting the professional growth of teachers.
This webinar will examine the similarities and differences between middle leadership roles in both countries, focusing on their challenges, leadership styles, and professional development needs. It will also provide insights into how middle leaders can enhance student outcomes, teacher performance, and school effectiveness, especially in the context of ongoing educational reforms. Attendees will gain practical strategies to empower middle leaders, strengthen school governance, and promote continuous improvement in their institutions.
🗓Day/Date: Tuesday, October 15, 2024
⏰Time: 13.00-14.00 (JKT Time) / 17.00-18.00 (Melbourne Time)
🔗Registration: bit.ly/JointWebinarSeries1
Certificate will be provided!
Recorded on YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CR1XIg6PT5I&list=PLX82ye7O55cfcRgvsXb1M1hRQIr6sjnwz&index=2
Disinformasi di Youtube: Pemilihan Presiden 2019 dan 2024
Alamsyah, P., Wijaya, G., Hakim, L.N. (2024). Disinformasi di Youtube: Pemilihan Presiden 2019 dan 2024. Dalam Ningtyas, E. Jurnalisme Cek Fakta Melawan Disinformasi Pemilu 2024. (h. 15-36). Jakarta: AJI Indonesia. https://aji.or.id/data/jurnalisme-cekfakta-melawan-disinformasi-pemilu-2024