Jakarta, December 19, 2024 – The Ministry of Defense of the Republic of Indonesia, through the Directorate General of Defense Potential, hosted the 2024 National Defense Real Action Award ceremony as part of the commemoration of the 76th National Defense Day. This initiative follows the issuance of the Director General of Defense Potential's regulation number B/3673/IX/2024/DJPOT.

The 2024 National Defense Real Action Award Competition, organized by the Directorate General of Defense Potential with the support of the Higher Education Service Institution (LLDikti) Region III Jakarta, offered university students an opportunity to actively participate in innovative, sustainable, and impactful actions for the benefit of society. National defense actions refer to activities undertaken by individuals or groups to safeguard and uphold the sovereignty of the Republic of Indonesia (NKRI). These actions extend beyond military duties to include active contributions in education, social, economic, and cultural domains.

Six students from UNDIRA's Communication Studies program – Pirdi Kurnia Agung Saputro, Mohammad Bagoes Danuputro, Muhammad Pangeran Raihan, Muhammad Rafi, M. Rifqi Fauzy, and Cece Sutisna – proudly secured second place in the education category through their program titled “Education and Awareness to Minimize Stunting in Pulosari Village, Kalapanunggal District, Sukabumi, West Java.”

Prof. Dr. H. Suharyadi, Rector of Universitas Dian Nusantara, underscored the significance of fostering a spirit of national defense, particularly among students as the nation’s future leaders. According to him, defending the nation is not limited to safeguarding sovereignty from physical threats but also includes contributing to educational advancement and societal welfare. He emphasized that students, as agents of change, are integral to shaping a better future for the nation.

One of the UNDIRA students explained that this program, which stemmed from their internship at PT PLN Indonesia Power’s Geothermal Power Plant Unit in Gunung Salak, aimed primarily to reduce stunting in the local community. Stunting, a prevalent issue in Indonesia, highlights socio-economic disparities and poses a significant challenge to human resource quality. Children suffering from stunting face long-term impacts on education and productivity, ultimately affecting the nation’s economic growth and global competitiveness.

To tackle this issue, the students collaborated with PT PLN Indonesia Power's Gunung Salak Geothermal Power Plant Unit and the Posyandu Sejahtera Community Health Center. They implemented creative and relevant educational initiatives, including parenting workshops to foster a sense of nationalism. These activities involved health discussions with parents, emphasizing the importance of balanced nutrition and proper sanitation for children’s growth and development.

Muchtar, Officer of Community Development at PT PLN Indonesia Power Gunung Salak UBP Kamojang, expressed his appreciation for UNDIRA students' contributions to the company’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) program in Pulosari Village. He highlighted their role in preventing stunting while advancing the National Defense Vision for a Golden Indonesia 2045.

A local resident, Suryani, shared her thoughts: “The presence of these students has inspired us to become better parents. They not only provided information but also engaged us in creative activities. I hope this program prepares me and my child to contribute to national defense in the future.”

Iyam, a cadre from Posyandu Sejahtera, added, “Through creative education and the emphasis on health and parenting, we hope to raise a healthy and intelligent generation to achieve a Golden Indonesia.”

The triumph of Universitas Dian Nusantara students in the 2024 National Defense Real Action Competition reflects not only their dedication to education but also their commitment to making meaningful contributions to society. Through their collaborative spirit and growing sense of nationalism, UNDIRA students have proven that the younger generation can be agents of positive change, contributing to the realization of Indonesia’s vision for 2045.

Congratulations to the winners! May this achievement inspire continued growth, greater success, and bring pride to Universitas Dian Nusantara.