Indonesian Lawmakers Warn Against Militarizing Schools in Cadet Training Program

Indonesian legislators have voiced concerns about potential "militarization" of schools as the Ministry of Social Affairs plans to deploy military academy cadets to help build character among students. Sandi Fitrian Noor, a member of Commission VIII of the House of Representatives (DPR RI), stressed that while adopting positive values from military education is beneficial, it must not create an impression of militarism within school environments.

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Don't let the public get the impression that schools are becoming spaces for militarization. What needs to be transformed are the positive values, not the military culture itself.

Noor acknowledged the ministry's initiative to involve approximately 1,000 Akmil (Military Academy) cadets as a means to foster discipline, integrity, and nationalistic spirit in the younger generation. However, he insisted that the implementation requires careful planning to ensure the objectives are met without imposing a military-like culture. "The public should not perceive schools as spaces for militarization. What needs to be transformed are the positive values, not the military culture itself," Sandi stated.

He further explained that values such as discipline, leadership, nationalism, and love for the country are crucial for students, particularly those in "Sekolah Rakyat" (People's Schools), which cater to children from impoverished and vulnerable families. "The government's intention is very good. We all want to produce disciplined, integrous, nationalistic, and responsible young people. However, character education must remain within the framework of humanistic pedagogy," he added.

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The government's intention is very good. We all want to produce disciplined, integrous, nationalistic, and responsible young people. However, character education must remain within the framework of humanistic pedagogy.

As a partner to the Ministry of Social Affairs, Commission VIII is committed to ensuring that all policies in these schools prioritize the best interests of the children, providing a safe, inclusive, and supportive learning environment that rebuilds their self-confidence. Noor cited research, including findings from the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), indicating that character formation is more effectively achieved through role modeling, habituation, strengthening school culture, and positive educator-student relationships.

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Discipline is important, but it is not merely about obeying rules. Discipline must stem from awareness, responsibility, and self-control. These are the values that should be the spirit of the guidance in Sekolah Rakyat.

"Discipline is important, but it is not merely about obeying rules. Discipline must stem from awareness, responsibility, and self-control. These are the values that should be the spirit of the guidance in Sekolah Rakyat," Sandi concluded. He suggested that Akmil cadets, with their integrity, leadership, teamwork, and dedication, should serve as character mentors and leadership role models, rather than instructors employing typical military training methods.

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Their role should be positioned as character mentors and leadership role models, not as instructors using the typical military training methods.