Education is one of humanity's windows to understanding the complexities of the world. Change happens everywhere and at any time, so to stay up-to-date, people must follow the available information to sharpen their thoughts. This makes education the main shield against misinformation, especially in today’s digital era.

In this spirit, National Education Day is not merely a celebration but also an opportunity for us to reflect on the purpose of education, especially amidst the rapid development of technology.

A scholar is not only capable of solving problems with logic but must also embody humanity. Morality for academics is irreplaceable. The pursuit of knowledge is not solely for oneself but for future generations who will carry it forward. Hence, dedicate and contribute to ensuring that the knowledge you bring will drive positive change for everyone.

However, the greatest challenge today, especially with the digitalization of education, lies in the implementation of AI, which has sparked controversies, particularly in creative fields like graphic design and creative writing. As widely known, more industries are seeing their originality eroded by the implementation of AI.

Yet, education is not only limited to or centered around technology. Ki Hajar Dewantara, a hero of Indonesian education, emphasized that education is not solely classroom-focused. Character building and social skills are equally important aspects that must be considered in education.

Furthermore, as wise academics, individuals must skillfully explore various opportunities to grow flexibly in this era of digitalization. AI, often seen as a risk to creativity and innovation, can instead be a tool to develop and provide new perspectives for everyone. AI is only useful for seeking references; the subsequent role is ours in creating an academic work that remains authentic and reflects the academic spirit.

Education should place greater emphasis on developing soft skills such as leadership, communication, and teamwork. Thus, students will not only be ready to face academic challenges but also the professional world after graduation.

This was highlighted in the speech by the Rector of Universitas Dian Nusantara (UNDIRA), Prof. Dr. H. Suharyadi, during the 4th Anniversary and the first graduation ceremony of UNDIRA in 2024: “Never stop learning, both formally and informally. The future can only be achieved by individuals with a high spirit and motivation for learning, which will develop into visionary and professional integrity. This is the time to fulfill results as a reward for sincere effort.”

Looking ahead, commemorating National Education Day should not merely be ceremonial but also a momentum to strategize better in creating an education ecosystem that is adaptive to the changing times. We hope that Indonesian education becomes increasingly inclusive, relevant, and capable of producing a generation that excels in knowledge, stands strong in character, and is resilient in facing global challenges.

(Kornelia Johana Dacosta - Evelynie / Humas UNDIRA)

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Biro Humas & Sekretariat Universitas Dian Nusantara

[email protected]

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