Al-Zaytun PKBM Tutors and Learners Stand Together for Indonesia
The Participation of Package A, B, and C Learners in the 81st Anniversary Ceremony of the Republic of Indonesia Serves as an Implementation of Civic Education
By: Ali Aminulloh
Civic education cannot be conveyed solely through textbooks; it must be brought to life through real-world experiences: standing tall as the Red and White flag is hoisted, singing “Indonesia Raya” with deep feeling, and honoring the sacrifices of the heroes who secured our independence. These were the very experiences shared by the tutors and learners of PKBM Al-Zaytun at the Palagan Agung Sports Arena on Monday, August 17, 2026.
From the early morning, learners from the Package A, Package B, and Package C programs joined the ceremonial ranks. They stood alongside pupils, university students, lecturers, teachers, and staff representatives from Ma’had Al-Zaytun to observe the 81st Anniversary of the Republic of Indonesia’s independence.
There were no barriers separating formal and non-formal education within those ranks. Everyone stood as Indonesian citizens, sharing equal status, rights, and responsibilities in upholding the nation’s independence.
The presence of PKBM Al-Zaytun learners and tutors went beyond merely fulfilling an invitation; their participation embodied the cultivation of love for the nation and country. The ceremony served as a venue for experiential learning regarding history, unity, discipline, responsibility, and respect for national symbols.
Learning Patriotism Through Experience
At PKBM Al-Zaytun, education is not viewed merely as the process of completing subjects and obtaining an equivalency diploma. Rather, education is directed toward shaping individuals who are knowledgeable, possess strong character and independence, and maintain a conscious awareness of their identity as part of the Indonesian nation. Therefore, civic education does not stop at merely knowing the date of the Proclamation, the names of national heroes, the tenets of Pancasila, or the Preamble to the 1945 Constitution of the Republic of Indonesia.
Such knowledge must be internalized and transformed into attitudes. Patriotism must be demonstrated through discipline, a willingness to coexist amidst diversity, respect for others, environmental awareness, and a readiness to participate in community life.
Flag-raising ceremonies offer learners the opportunity to experience these values firsthand. They learn to arrive on time, stand in formation, observe rules, follow commands, show respect for the flag, and maintain the solemnity of the event.
These seemingly simple acts are crucial to character building. Discipline cannot simply be explained; it must be practiced until it becomes a habit. Unity cannot merely be discussed; it must be experienced. Love for Indonesia cannot simply be voiced; it must be demonstrated through tangible participation.
Standing in a Unified Formation
The ceremony begins promptly at 07:00. All participants stand in designated formations. Tutors and learners from PKBM Al-Zaytun stand in line alongside other educational groups within the Ma’had Al-Zaytun community.
This scene holds profound significance. The learners come from diverse backgrounds regarding age, experience, daily commitments, and educational journeys. Some are enrolled in “Paket A” (equivalent to primary school), “Paket B” (junior high school), and “Paket C” (senior high school).
These differences in educational levels do not dampen their enthusiasm for learning. On the contrary, their presence demonstrates that education is a right for every citizen and can be pursued through various pathways.
Non-formal education provides a “second chance” for those who were unable to complete their schooling through the formal system. However, the term “second chance” does not imply that the education they receive is of inferior quality. PKBM serves as an educational pathway that is flexible, inclusive, and tailored to the community’s needs.
Within the ceremony formation, no learner is viewed differently. They stood alongside the students. Tutors stood with lecturers and teachers. All were united by the Red and White flag and their identity as the Indonesian nation.
Solemnly Observing the Flag-Raising Ceremony
Serving as the ceremony commander was Khalifa Al-Qodri Ramadhon bin Elpiadi, an 11th-grade student (class XI-M-1) from Serang, Banten. His commands rang out loud and firm across the Palagan Agung Arena.
The Red and White flag was raised by three students: Nayaka Bagus Rahmatullah bin Joko Supriyono, Hafidz Madyan Gumilang bin Yana, and Faridatul Ukhuwah binti Supriyadi.
The three were part of the 99-member Ma’had Al-Zaytun Flag-Raising Squad, comprising 60 male students (*banin*) and 39 female students (*banat*).
As the national anthem “Indonesia Raya” played and the Red and White flag slowly ascended to the top of the pole, the tutors and learners of PKBM Al-Zaytun stood at attention to pay their respects.
The fluttering flag evokes memories of the Indonesian nation’s long journey. Independence was not gained without cost; it was forged through the struggles, sacrifices, tears, and blood of the nation’s forebears.
For learners, this moment serves as a reminder that the opportunity to receive an education today is one of the fruits of independence. Independence has secured the right of every citizen to learn, develop themselves, and improve their future.
Therefore, learning is not merely a matter of personal interest; a serious commitment to education is also a way of giving meaning to independence.
**Revisiting the Nation’s Foundational Principles**
The ceremony brought to the fore key documents in the nation’s history. The text of the Proclamation of Indonesian Independence was read by Ikhwan Triatmo, BIT. The Preamble to the 1945 Constitution of the Republic of Indonesia was read by Anis Khoirunnisa, S.Th.I., MAP.
The foundational values of the Indonesian state—Pancasila—were recited by M. Nurdin A. Tsabit, S.Sos., M.A.P.
The reading of these three texts offered a meaningful lesson in nationhood. The Proclamation marked the birth of Indonesia as an independent nation. The Preamble to the 1945 Constitution enshrines the state’s ideals and objectives. Pancasila serves as both the foundation and the guiding principle for life within society, the nation, and the state.
One of the Indonesian state’s objectives, as stated in the Preamble to the 1945 Constitution, is to intellectually uplift the nation. This mandate affirms that education must not be the exclusive privilege of any specific group; every citizen, regardless of age or background, has the right to an opportunity to learn.
The existence of PKBM Al-Zaytun is part of the fulfillment of this mandate. Through the Package A, B, and C programs, the community gains access to continuing their education, enhancing their knowledge and skills, and securing a better future. Independence and Human Development
Dato’ Sir Imam Prawoto, KRSS, MBA, CRBC, served as the ceremony inspector. Before delivering his address, he invited all participants to observe a moment of silence in honor of the nation’s heroes and the pioneers of Al-Zaytun’s educational mission who have passed away.
In his address, he emphasized that independence should not be viewed merely as a historical event. Independence represents a mandate for every generation to safeguard the nation’s continuity through the development of individuals who are knowledgeable, skilled, possess strong character, and are capable of adapting to the changing times.
This message is highly relevant to the tutors and learners of PKBM Al-Zaytun. Equivalency education aims not only to complete academic levels but also to build the quality of the individual holistically.
Education must shape individuals capable of thinking, working, communicating, assuming responsibility, and living dynamically within both national and international communities.
Knowledge teaches people to think. Skills train people to act. Character provides direction, ensuring that knowledge and skills are applied correctly and responsibly.
Thus, the success of learners is not measured solely by graduation or the attainment of a diploma. Success is also reflected in the growth of self-confidence, independence, discipline, life skills, social responsibility, and a spirit of contributing to society.
Tutors as Journey Companions
Behind the learners’ perseverance stand the tutors who patiently guide the learning process. Tutors do not merely deliver material; they also act as motivators, mentors, and learning companions.
The characteristics of equivalency education learners differ from those of typical students. Some must balance their studies with work. Others have family responsibilities. Still others are returning to education after a long hiatus from formal schooling.
These circumstances require a humane and flexible approach. Tutors need to understand each learner’s background, help them overcome challenges, and instill the conviction that it is never too late to pursue an education. The presence of tutors alongside learners at the independence ceremony illustrates an educational relationship that extends beyond the classroom. They meet not merely to discuss lessons, but to stand together as members of the community and the nation.
The tutors set an example by demonstrating that love for one’s country must be reflected in one’s attitude. Meanwhile, the learners show that the pursuit of knowledge can go hand in hand with a spirit of patriotism.
Lifelong Learning
The participation of learners from the Paket A, B, and C programs also reinforces the principle of lifelong learning. Learning is not limited by age, location, or social background. As long as an individual possesses the desire to grow, the path to education must remain open.
This spirit aligns with the true meaning of independence. A free individuals who have the opportunity to develop their potential, expand their knowledge, and determine their futures responsibly.
PKBM Al-Zaytun serves as a space for the community to reignite that hope. Those whose education was previously interrupted can resume learning. Those with time constraints can participate in studies with greater flexibility. Those wishing to enhance their competencies find room to grow.
Every learner has their own story of struggle. Yet, as they stand together during the independence ceremony, all those journeys converge on a single conviction: education can transform lives.
From the Ceremony Formation Toward the Future
The main part of the ceremony concluded at 07:23. However, the values gained by the tutors and learners did not end when the formation was dismissed.
Respect for the flag must be carried forward as respect for fellow citizens. The recitation of *Pancasila* must be embodied through conduct that is just, humane, united, democratic, and mindful of the common good. The mandate regarding human development must be pursued through dedication to learning and skill development.
Tutors resume the responsibility of guiding with patience and by setting a good example. Learners resume the spirit to complete their education, expand their knowledge, strengthen their character, and build their futures.
That morning, the tutors and learners of PKBM Al-Zaytun demonstrated that non-formal education is not a realm separate from the life of the nation. It is a vital part of the movement to enlighten the nation.
They come from different backgrounds and journeys, yet they stand in a single formation. They traverse diverse educational paths, yet move toward the same ideal.
From the *Palagan Agung* (Grand Ceremony Ground), the tutors and learners of PKBM Al-Zaytun take home a message: love for the homeland cannot merely be spoken; it must be proven through a willingness to keep learning, improve oneself, work responsibly, and benefit the community.
For every learner who reignites hope is proof that independence remains a living, active force. Every dedicated tutor is a guardian of the flame that enlightens the nation. It is through their efforts that an Indonesia—smarter, principled, and more humane—is being prepared.**
Indramayu, August 17, 2026
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