Fostering Nationalism Values, Children in Malang Learn the Values of Heroic Struggle at the Burned Earth Location

Kapanlagi.com - Otniel Alexy Effrandito (12) leads a group carrying the red and white flag towards the Monument of Struggle 45. The 6th grade student from Shining Star Elementary School, along with the group, moved after witnessing the historical monument, the Independence Monument of Malang City Council Building.

Otniel and the participants of the Historical Struggle Tour are wearing costumes and accessories all in red and white, KLovers. The lessons they learn outside of school aim to increase nationalism values from an early age.

By fostering nationalism and patriotism values, they will not forget the history that has been fought for years. They will also learn to continue to love this nation and country.

1. Children Learn History Through Monument Tugu Malang

Children Learn History Through the Malang Monument / Credit Photo: KapanLagi.com/Darmadi Sasongko

Students listen to the stories of the heroes who fought and defended the Independence of the Republic of Indonesia, especially in the city of Malang. Monument Tugu, Balai Kota Malang, and its surroundings have a significant history in the struggle to defend Indonesia's Independence from Dutch and Japanese colonization. The location witnessed the scorched earth tactics and battles during the Dutch Aggression, KLovers.

Because of that, the Monument Tugu building, inaugurated by President Soekarno, is filled with symbols and values of struggle that should be understood by the future generations of the nation. 

"I now know more about the history of Monument Tugu, previously I only witnessed it," Otniel explained. Otniel also mentioned that the heroes have fought and sacrificed their wealth, lives, and bodies. Therefore, the spirit of struggle, sacrifice, and love for the nation and country must be instilled in the hearts of students who are the future generations.

"The heroes even sacrificed their lives," he emphasized.

2. The Joy of Children Witnessing the Relief of the Juang 45 Monument

The joy of children watching the 45 Struggle Monument Relief / Photo Credit: KapanLagi.com/Darmadi Sasongko

The children's faces looked so happy as they crossed the park and witnessed the relief of the Juang 45 Monument in front of Malang Station. The struggle song was sung together while waving the red and white flag in each hand.

They were invited to observe the relief of the Juang 45 Monument, which depicts the warfare that occurred during the independence war. Meanwhile, the upper part of the relief is in the form of a giant statue or butho that has fallen down.

The Butho, which symbolizes arrogance, was brought down by the fighters with all their sacrifices. The people bravely fought against colonization with sharpened bamboo weapons.

"That's a tank picture over there. There, the fallen fighters," explained a companion to his toddler student.

3. Introducing Children to History to Foster Nationalism and Patriotism

Introducing Children to History to Foster Nationalism and Patriotism / Photo Credit: KapanLagi.com/Darmadi Sasongko

The Headmaster of SMP Kristen 1 YPK Malang, Tirosa Duta Abadi Bako, said that studying history in the field is followed by around 70 children from the levels of Kindergarten (KB), Kindergarten (TK), Elementary School (SD), and Junior High School (SMP). According to their level, children are given creative tasks such as writing, storytelling, infographics, and vlogs about the two historical sites visited.

"We want to introduce to children how extraordinary the struggle of the heroes is. We have an obligation to defend and fill this beloved country so that children have a high sense of patriotism and nationalism, so that when they grow up to become the nation's children, they do not forget history and continue to love this nation and country," said Tirosa.

Tirosa also hopes that children can have characters like the heroes, including their fighting spirit. Especially now, the current generation faces many challenges that must be faced.

"By introducing them like this, they have the courage to fight and do good things for the nation and country," he added.

During the event, children received explanations from companions and history teachers. A member of the Malang City DPRD, Aminthya Ratnaggani Sirraduhita, also gave values and the spirit of struggle to the children. Introducing history to children from KB to SMP levels is certainly very beneficial, KLovers.

(kpl/dar/slm)