Commemorating National Education Day: From Safe Schools to Bright Tourism Futures
Author: Agustina Purnami Setiawi, Programme Officer Field Office Sumba
Editor: Boyke Hutapea, Program Manager Field Office Sumba; Siti Nur Hasbiyana, Program Associate and Outreach
On May 2–3, 2025, students and teachers from 45 senior and vocational high schools across Southwest Sumba Regency raised their voices on the importance of creating safe, inclusive, and violence-free schools. They gathered at Galatama Field, Tambolaka, Southwest Sumba, to commemorate National Education Day (Hardiknas) by promoting the movement: “Prevent Bullying for a Brighter Tourism Future.”
The event was a collaboration between the Department of Education and Culture of East Nusa Tenggara Province, the Government of Southwest Sumba Regency, and the DESMA Center, with support from Misereor and Kindermissionswerk (KMW) from Germany. In her opening remarks, Regent of Southwest Sumba, Mrs. Ratu Ngadu Bonu Wulla, emphasized: “Education is not just about academics, but also about creating a safe and inclusive environment for all students.”
National Education Day on May 2, 2025, marked a special moment. Students took part in a ceremonial event and joined “NTT Menari”, a cultural collaboration involving 10,000 dancers from across East Nusa Tenggara. A total of 813 students from Southwest Sumba participated in the mass dance, aiming to break a Guinness World Record and a MURI (Indonesian World Records Museum) record.
The highlight of the day was not only the mass dance, but also the anti-bullying campaign led by the DESMA Center team, emphasizing the importance of safety, mutual respect, and the courage to stand up against violence in schools. Through an interactive and empathetic presentation, students were introduced to Ministerial Decree No. 46/2023 by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology, which underscores that violence in schools is a systemic issue that must be addressed collectively. “Schools must be on the front lines of violence prevention,” said Boyke Hutapea, Program Manager of DESMA Center Sumba.
The visit by the Regent and Vice Regent of Southwest Sumba, along with the Deputy Chief of Police (Wakapolres) of Southwest Sumba Regency, the Commander of Military District 1629 (Dandim 1629), and several department heads, further reinforced cross-sectoral commitment. They received direct information about mentored and affected schools, and gained deeper insight into the DESMA Center's programs supported by international partners.
Various participatory activities concluded the event on May 3, 2025. One of the most popular was an educational dart game, where participants had to pick up litter and recite information from anti-bullying posters in order to win exciting prizes. “We want students to learn while taking real action for the environment and social issues,” said Agustina Purnami Setiawi, Program Officer of DESMA Center Sumba.
Anti-bullying posters were also distributed to several schools, including partner schools: SMK Bakti Luhur Tambolaka and SMKN 2 Kota Tambolaka, as well as affected schools, namely SMK Kasimo and SMKN 1 Kodi. The posters distributed serve as a symbol of commitment and an educational tool for bullying prevention and protection.
Interactive quizzes and the announcement of winners for the video reels and e-flyer design contests added excitement to the event. The best works from students will be published to reach a wider audience through social media.
Mr. Ibrahim Boimau, S.Pd., M.Pd., Supervisor for SMA/SMK/SLB in Southwest Sumba Regency, Education and Culture Office of East Nusa Tenggara Province, stated in his closing remarks, “Today’s results must be the beginning of a continuous movement. Let’s make schools free from bullying!”
This activity is expected to enhance understanding of regulations, the publication of student works, as well as school support and teacher training conducted by DESMA Center. “This is just the beginning. We will keep moving forward until no student feels unsafe in their own school,” emphasized Boyke Hutapea.
With strong synergy between schools, government, community, and international partners, Southwest Sumba will grow as a true example of inclusive and empowered education. Safe and supportive schools will shape a generation that is confident, thinks critically, and is ready to contribute to building sustainable tourism.
