Wednesday, 13 May 2026
MEDAN | INDATANEWS.COM – Medan Mayor Rico Waas has reaffirmed the city government's commitment to delivering high-quality, inclusive, and equitable education for all segments of society.
He delivered the statement after serving as inspector of the National Education Day 2026 ceremony at UPT SMP Negeri 1 Medan on Saturday, May 2, 2026.
Education as a Fundamental Right for All
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Rico Waas emphasized that education is not a privilege, but a fundamental right that must be guaranteed for every child. He stressed that no barriers should prevent children in Medan from accessing schooling.
"There must be no more school dropouts. No child should be left without education. Even citizens with special needs must receive equal rights. Education is essential—the most important foundation of our nation," he stated.
Promoting Deep Learning in the Digital Era
During the ceremony, Rico Waas also conveyed the message from Indonesia's Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education, highlighting the importance of the "Deep Learning" approach in modern education.
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He explained that the approach encourages students to understand learning materials more deeply rather than simply memorizing them. In the rapidly evolving digital era, he noted that students in Medan have strong potential to adapt and thrive.
"We believe the children of Medan have great potential. What matters is how we nurture them comprehensively so they can expand their thinking and better adapt to the digital world," Rico said.
Human-Centered Schooling and Teacher Appreciation
Rico Waas also praised the leadership of UPT SMP Negeri 1 Medan and its teachers for successfully implementing a human-centered education approach. As an alumnus of the school, he expressed pride in its development, highlighting students' strong English skills, active organizational involvement, and international achievements.
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"Teachers and school leaders are no longer just educators and students. They are parents and friends to the children. The principal acts like a mother figure—this closeness creates a comfortable learning environment," he added.
Meanwhile, Principal Rohanim emphasized that school leadership today goes beyond administration, focusing also on emotional engagement within the school community.
"The key to successful learning lies in a comfortable atmosphere, which can only be achieved when leadership is able to connect emotionally with everyone involved," she said.
She added that while academic achievement is important, emotional connection forms the foundation of deep learning, ensuring that education becomes an enjoyable experience rather than a burden.
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The ceremony was held in a solemn atmosphere and attended by Medan City Secretary Wiriya Alrahman, senior officials, and district heads across the city. (IDNC)
REPORTER: Teguh Panjaitan | EDITOR: Fik Sagala
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