Happy Scout Day: UIN Jakarta Scouts are Prepared to face the Digitalization Era

Jakarta, UIN Online News — The UIN Syarif Hidayatullah Jakarta Scout Movement, in observance of Scout Day on August 14th, underlines its function as a platform for cultivating character, discipline, and leadership among students.

For your information, Scout Day has been celebrated every August 14th since 1961, coinciding with the inauguration of the Scout Movement by President Soekarno. Sri Sultan Hamengkubuwono IX, also known as the Father of Indonesian Scouts, initiated the movement. This commemoration aims to foster enthusiasm and strengthen the resolve of the younger generation to serve the nation, based on the Tri Satya and Dasa Darma principles.

Drs. Nanang Syaikhu, M.Si., the Head of the PTKIN Scout Development Forum in Indonesia and the Head of the UIN Jakarta Scout Troop, asserts that the existence of Scouts in higher education remains highly pertinent. He asserts that students belong to the categories of penegak and pandega, anticipated to evolve into future instructors.

"The focus of college Scout activities has shifted from skill competitions, as seen in schools, to community service. Thankfully, UIN Jakarta conducts an annual Community Development program in which participants reside in villages for one week to provide service," he stated.

He perceived that a significant opportunity to address the difficulties of the digital era lies in utilizing information technology capable of broadening the scope of Scouting activities.

By referencing the Jamboree On The Air (JOTA) and Jamboree On Internet (JOTI) as examples of adaptation and the Digital Scout Unit (Saka), which is dedicated to enhancing information technology competencies, he believes that such an approach is possible thanks to this digitalization era.

"The challenge lies in the necessity for Scouts to be technologically proficient and to present activities in a pertinent manner. In this way, the digital platform effectively facilitates the dissemination of these values," he assured.

Tahta Uliani, the General Chair of the UIN Jakarta Scout SME, described this year's Scout Day as an opportunity to reaffirm the commitment to character development for students.

"The principles of discipline, responsibility, cooperation, leadership, and social concern are essential foundations. Therefore, students must succeed in achieving academic excellence, demonstrate integrity, and be prepared to serve society," she added.

They aspired for all UIN Jakarta Scout members to uphold the Indonesian Scout values, persist in innovation, serve as exemplary figures on campus, and act as catalysts for positive transformation within the nation.

(Kareena Auliya J./Zaenal M./Muhamad Arifin Ilham/Photo by UIN Jakarta Scout)