The progress of a country depends on the ability of its human resources. Other things not less important are social and political stability, government management, mastery of science and technology and creativity and innovation of its human resources. The statement was conveyed by President Joko Widodo in his speech at the National Education and Culture Meeting 2018 held at Pusdiklat Kemendikbud, Sawangan, Depok, Tuesday, February 6, 2018.
The Ministry of Education and Culture has a great responsibility in developing human resources in Indonesia. "This huge responsibility lies on the shoulders of you attending this meeting here," said the President.
Therefore, the President reminded the importance of education that build Pancasila character. Through education also, honesty, togetherness, politeness, values​and character taughg to the children.
"This is where the importance of education, education that teaches the struggle, education that builds the character of the learner, who always learns without waiting to be patronized, who always innovate without waiting to be taught," said the Head of State.
"That is our capital as a great nation capable of solving problems everywhere, and at the same time to win global competition," he said.
The President warned that the wealth of natural resources can not guarantee the welfare and success of a nation. Many developed countries actually do not have natural resources, but on the contrary many countries with abundant natural resources suffer from poverty, even conflict and civil war.
"Natural resources that often spoil and make us lazy, beat the fighting power, make us careless and do not encourage us all to innovate and have creativity," said the President.
On the occasion, the President reminded that the government has been trying hard to improve education services, both at central, provincial and district level through the Indonesian Smart Card program (KIP). "We want to ensure access to education for underprivileged children, "the President said.
Therefore, budget support from Central to Regional is also continuously improved and efforts to improve the quality of teachers and education infrastructure continue to run.
Therefore, the President invited all participants not to get caught up in the routine because it has been running for many years without any renewal, without a major innovation in education and culture.
"Our courage is to make a breakthrough because the changing world is now going so fast," said the President.
Also present accompanying the President were Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Culture Puan Maharani, Minister of State Secretary Pratikno, Minister of Education and Culture Muhadjir Effendy.(Release Protocol, Press and Media Secretariat of the President)