Al Zaytun Community Unit Commemorates Scout Day: “Collaboration to Build National Resilience”
By Dr. Ali Aminullah, S.Ag. M.Pd.I., ME (Lecturer at IAI ALAZIS)
Under the blue skies of Al Zaytun, the spirit of scouting burns brightly. Thursday, August 14, 2025, is not just another day, but a sacred moment where the Al Zaytun Scout Community Unit 12.001-12.002 gathers.
On the Medan Satria Wiratama field, from the innocent Siaga level to the idea-filled Pandega, they stand in one line. This 65th Scout Day commemoration serves as a forum for reflecting on the meaning of a promise, a work, and a nation.
This celebration carries the highly relevant theme: “Collaboration to Build National Resilience and LSTEAM Novum Gradum Scout Camp Education.” A theme that echoes the call to unity, work, and innovate.
The Meaning Behind Promises and Work
The ceremony began solemnly. The strains of “Satya Dharma Pramuka” and “Indonesia Raya 3 Stanza” filled the air, evoking a deep sense of love for the homeland. Every lyric, every verse, was a reminder of a deeply held commitment.
After a moment of silence and the reading of noble national texts, Drs. Purnomo, M.Pd., Chairman of the Al Zaytun Teachers’ Council, took the podium. In his address, he urged all Scout members to realize the commemoration theme with concrete actions.
Purnomo reminded that from its inception until now, Al Zaytun has continued to use the word “scouting.” This word is not without meaning. “Pandu” means a pioneer or leader who is at the forefront, guiding his nation. This is the seed of a person with a healthy, intelligent, and humane character.
Similarly, the acronym Pramuka—Praja Muda Karana—means “youth of the nation who are diligent in working or creating.” This is not just theory, but a call to action, creation, and contribution. Real work, not empty talk.
The Long History of the Scout Movement in Indonesia
The journey of scouting in Indonesia is a reflection of the nation’s struggle. Long before independence, the seeds of the scouting spirit were planted.
In 1912, the first scouting organization emerged in Batavia as a branch of the Nederlandsche Padvinders Organisatie (NPO). Four years later, the Javaansche Padvinders Organisatie, the first indigenous scouting organization, was founded by Mangkunegara VII in Solo.
However, this spirit did not stop there. Various scouting organizations based on religion, ethnicity, and ideology emerged, such as Hizbul Wathan (Muhammadiyah), Pandu Ansor (NU), and others. All shared a common goal: to shape the character of the younger generation.
After independence, efforts emerged to unify this movement. The Unity Congress
of Indonesian Scouting in 1945 gave birth to Pandu Rakyat Indonesia. However, political turmoil and Dutch military aggression caused the movement to split again into more than 100 organizations. This situation demonstrated the importance of unity, which ultimately became the foundation for the birth of the Scout Movement.
The Birth of Scouting as a Platform for Unity
Seeing the ongoing divisions, President Soekarno, along with Sri Sultan Hamengku Buwono IX (known as Pandu Agung), took a major initiative.
On March 9, 1961, the name Pramuka was officially adopted—an abbreviation of Praja Muda Karana. This name became a new symbol, signifying the spirit of mutual cooperation and unity.
Another historical milestone occurred on May 20, 1961, when Presidential Decree Number 238/1961 was issued.
Finally, on August 14, 1961, the Scout Movement was officially introduced to the public in a historic ceremony.
President Soekarno presented the Scout Movement Banner to Sri Sultan Hamengku Buwono IX as the first Chairman of the National Headquarters.
This moment is what we remember today as National Scout Day.
Eternal Symbols and Values
Scout Day is more than just a commemoration. It is a symbol of unity, character building, and love for the homeland. Scouts teach noble values such as discipline, independence, leadership, and mutual cooperation. These values equip every Scout to become a resilient individual who is beneficial to the nation.
The carefully chosen symbol of the Coconut Shoot holds profound meaning. The coconut tree is a strong plant, its roots gripping the earth, its trunk sturdy, and every part useful. It symbolizes young people who are resilient, adaptive, and beneficial to their surroundings, ready to grow and serve wherever they are.
The series of events commemorating Scout Day at Al Zaytun concluded with a creative arts performance by the Scouts, a display showcasing their talent and passion for creativity. The agenda then continued with the Friday-Saturday-Sunday Camp (Perjusa), an activity that combines education, adventure, and togetherness.
Epilogue: Scouts Become Guides Defending Mother Earth
Scout Day is a reminder that the spirit of scouting is a flame that never goes out.
A has forged generation after generation, teaching them the meaning of promise and sacrifice. Beneath the coconut shoots, we find one goal: to become true human beings who love their nation, who dare to act, and who never tire of working.
Scouts are not just uniforms and applause, but also a living soul, guiding steps towards a brighter future. A promise to always be a guide for the motherland.*
Indramayu, August 14, 2025
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