Central Kalimantan, Ministry of Education and Culture – The Great Indonesian Children's Gymnastics (SAIH) program continues in all educational institutions across Indonesia. In practice, there are many interesting stories about the implementation of SAIH and innovations that have emerged to improve its consistency, including in Central Kalimantan Province.

The Head of the Central Kalimantan Education Quality Assurance Center (BPMP), Tomy Haridjaya, revealed that the BPMP continues to play an active role in promoting the SAIH program through various communication channels, such as webinars and direct mentoring for educational units. He stated that the SAIH outreach process also involves local governments, school principals, teachers, and parents to help them understand the benefits of SAIH exercises for children.

"As of January 2025, 700 educational institutions in Central Kalimantan had implemented the SAIH program. This achievement demonstrates the extraordinary commitment of various parties to supporting the SAIH program for Indonesian children," said Tomy.

Tomy added that one of the most visible benefits of SAIH is the enthusiasm of students and teachers in making gymnastics a regular part of their school activities. This gymnastics not only improves physical health but also builds camaraderie, discipline, and enthusiasm in the children.

Furthermore, Tomy is confident that SAIH can be the first step towards a healthier, stronger, and more characterful generation of Indonesians. "To maintain consistency, BPMP will continue to strengthen coordination with local governments, schools, and the education community. We also continue to conduct regular monitoring to ensure this program continues to run according to its objectives. Furthermore, BPMP will hold campaigns and inter-school gymnastics competitions to foster motivation and ensure SAIH becomes part of the school culture in Central Kalimantan," Tomy concluded.

SAIH Builds Togetherness among School Community

The principal of SMAN 1 Basarang, Kapuas Regency, Central Kalimantan, Fuyi Yanti Pimae, revealed that SAIH helps instill good habits in students to be disciplined in improving themselves, ready for physical movement to motivate the passion for learning, and strengthen the learning ecosystem at school.

"We have been running SAIH since January 2, 2025. It has also become a sporting event held between classes to celebrate the school's anniversary. SAIH provides a sense of discipline; students arrive early, ready and healthy, and prepare themselves from home with the intention of participating in SAIH at school," said Fuyi.

Furthermore, Fuyi assessed that from the implementation of SAIH, students can take away positive values, including increased discipline among the school community, arriving early, diligently exercising, responsibility, mutual cooperation, collaboration, competitiveness, wanting to be better, competing to prepare themselves competently as instructors. "More than that, from SAIH we feel many students become more enthusiastic, radiate a healthy aura, and become closer among fellow students," concluded Fuji.

Another good practice was also expressed by the Principal of SMPN 3 Palangkaraya, Central Kalimantan, Wahidah. She stated that SAIH is an excellent exercise and is also loved by all school residents. "SAIH at our school has been running since January 13, 2025. Through SAIH, students have learned many positive values, including diligent study, waking up early, getting enough rest, being physically and mentally healthy, being grateful, and appreciating the services of heroes/predecessors," said Wahidah.

Furthermore, Wahidah believes the 7 Habits of Great Indonesian Children program is a good idea to implement in both school and home settings. She believes the program aligns with health recommendations for adequate sleep and fostering a passion for learning to prepare for the future.

In addition to the principal, Tasya Adelia, a student at SMPN 3 Palangkaraya, also spoke about the positive practices of SAIH implementation. She considered it a valuable program. She believes that SAIH's implementation contributes to improving health and instilling the importance of exercise in students.

"SAIH also promotes mental health and raises awareness of the importance of maintaining our own health and fitness. With SAIH, we can maintain physical health and shape character in Indonesian children," Tasya concluded.

Writer: Penulis BKHM

Editor: Editor BKHM

PaudDikdasmen Dinas Pendidikan Ruang Murid Ruang Sekolah Guru Dikdasmen Strengthening Character Education