jpnn.com, BLITAR - Social Affairs Minister Tri Rismaharini spontaneously became a 'kindergarten teacher' when she met several children at the Bung Karno Tomb complex in Blitar city, East Java, Sunday (7/11).
"Come on, I can be a kindergarten teacher," said the minister.
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The former mayor of Surabaya then told about the figure of Bung Karno who had a strong will and never gave up.
He said that with such an attitude, Bung Karno and other national leaders were able to realize the ideals of an independent Indonesia.
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In fact, during the struggle, Bung Karno experienced various tough challenges from the Dutch colonial government.
"Bung Karno was once convicted and detained in Banceuy Prison, Bandung. The room was very narrow. The size of the prison cell is only 1.5 x 2.5 meters," Risma told the children.
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The woman, who will turn 60 in less than two weeks, then told about Bung Karno's experience in compiling a very famous pledoi known as "Indonesia Menggugat".
The pledoi was read out in court at the Landraad Building.
"Yes, my children. So you have to keep going. Do not ever give up. Keep praying and keep trying. No one can change your destiny other than you," said Risma.
Risma invited the children to walk together towards the cupola of Bung Karno's tomb.
As she climbed the stairs to the tomb, she asked the children to count together for each step.
After counting together, it turned out that the number of stairs was 17, which symbolized August 17, 1945.
The children were then invited to pray together at Bung Karno's tomb.
According to the minister, the values of heroism need to be instilled in the younger generation as early as possible.
The goal is to raise children's awareness that the independence we have achieved is not a gift but the struggle of the heroes.
"So they [the children] do not become weak and are enthusiastic to fight for their independence," said Risma.
Celebrating the 2021 Heroes' Day, the Ministry of Social Affairs will involve middle and high school students to take part in the National Pilgrimage Ceremony at the Main National Heroes Cemetery (TMPNU) in Kalibata on November 10.
"There are about 100 to 200 children who are invited. Of course, these children have been vaccinated," said Risma. (mark/mcr20/jpnn)
This news has been broadcast on JPNN.com with the title: Mensos Risma Mendadak jadi 'Guru TK', Ini yang Dilakukan di Makam Bung Karno