Jakarta, September 24, 2026 — The Republic of Indonesia Cadet Corps (KKRI) is an optional extracurricular activity offered at secondary schools and serves as a platform for developing a young generation with character, discipline, national insight, and a sense of national defense. This program is expected to provide students with experiences that foster discipline, leadership, togetherness, and responsibility.
Deputy Minister of Primary and Secondary Education (Wamendikdasmen), Atip Latipulhayat, stated that students' participation in the KKRI extracurricular activities does not mean they become soldiers, but rather part of character building. KKRI is not intended to introduce militarism into schools. The emphasis is on fostering an awareness of national defense.
"I think the KKRI extracurricular program is very appropriate and not mandatory. When schools provide national defense awareness training, they are actually fulfilling the rights of our students," he said at the launch of the KKRI extracurricular program at SMK Negeri 26 Jakarta on Wednesday (September 23).
The Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education (Kemendikdasmen) has prepared several steps to ensure the KKRI extracurricular program has a clear foundation in educational institutions. On May 5, 2026, the Minister of Secondary Education issued Decree No. 136 of 2026 concerning Guidelines for the Implementation of National Defense Awareness Development through the Republic of Indonesia Cadet Corps Extracurricular Program at the Secondary Education Level. This was then followed up with a Circular Letter from the Secretary General of Kemendikdasmen as technical guidelines for implementation.
"The KKRI (Indonesian National Education System) at the secondary education level is ready for implementation. We must oversee its implementation to achieve the goals mandated by our constitution," added Deputy Minister Atip.
On the same occasion, the Head of the National Reserves Agency (Kabacadnas) of the Ministry of Defense, Gabriel Lema, said, "Today we are not just launching an extracurricular activity, but also continuing to open up spaces for the younger generation in terms of development, in order to build character and foster love for the homeland."
Starting this year, KKRI (Indonesian National Sports Week) is an optional extracurricular activity at the secondary education level. Its introduction demonstrates the collaboration between the Ministry of Defense and the Ministry of Elementary and Secondary Education. This collaboration demonstrates that character building and national defense awareness are shared responsibilities that must be fostered through synergy between education, families, communities, and the state.
Furthermore, Gabriel explained that for a student, defending the country can start from simple things, such as studying seriously, being disciplined, respecting teachers at school and parents at home, fostering good relationships with fellow friends in the context of maintaining unity, and avoiding bullying and things that can have a negative impact on the way they think, speak, or act.
The presence of the Indonesian Pilot Association (KKRI) also provides a space for students to develop themselves and build confidence in pursuing their dreams. One such experience was experienced by KKRI participant Rahmad Al Farizky. He revealed that participating in the KKRI opened up the opportunity to realize his dream of becoming a pilot.
"The turning point came when I joined the Indonesian Military (KKRI). Now, at Halim Perdanakusuma, I have the opportunity to apply for a scholarship to become a TNI pilot. There, I was trained physically and mentally. It was there that I was prepared and learned that limited circumstances are no reason to stop dreaming," said Rahmad.
Another KKRI participant, Maraya Najmi Malika, shared a similar experience. Growing up watching her mother build a business, Maraya aspired to become an entrepreneur. Her experiences organizing through the Student Council (OSIS) and participating in KKRI were part of the process of preparing herself to achieve that goal.
"Then, I met with KKRI and received one message: don't just pursue form, find function. The most important thing is what I can build and who can benefit from it. That's the direction I'm choosing to become the best version of myself," said Maraya. (Writer: Stephanie / Editor: Seno, Photographer: Rayhan)
Bureau of Communication and Public Relations
Secretariat General
Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education
Website: kemendikdasmen.go.id
X: x.com/Kemdikdasmen
Instagram: instagram.com/kemendikdasmen
Facebook: facebook.com/kemendikdasmen
YouTube: Ministry of Education and Culture
Questions and Complaints: ult.kemendikdasmen.go.id
Press Release from the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education: kemendikdasmen.go.id/pencarian/siaran-pers
#QualityEducationForAll
#MinistryofEducationAndEducationFriendly
