Bogor, West Java – The government plans to incorporate the state defense program into freshmen orientation programs in schools and universities nationwide with an aim of providing added value for new students.

"Instead of doing weird things, like collecting mice and cockroaches during orientation, it would be better for schools and universities to run the state defense program instead as it would be more valuable for the students," the Defense Ministry's head of education and training center, Maj. Gen. Hartind Asrin, said on Tuesday.

The Defense Ministry cooperated with the Education Ministry and the Directorate General of Higher Education in the drafting of the state defense curriculum. "To run this program, we will coordinate with 873 education and training centers across Indonesia," he said.

He added that facilitators from each training center would be invited to Bogor, West Java, for further training on the program. "Once they complete the program, they will return to their respective regions and be obliged to share their knowledge with other facilitators."

Defense Minister Ryamizard Ryacudu dismissed the allegation that the program aimed to prepare the younger generation for war.

"Participants will learn more about their country, democracy, laws, reform and nationhood. This is like the manifestation of a de-radicalization program for the young generation," Ryamizard said after officially inaugurating the state defense education and training center in Rumpin, Bogor. (hol)

Source: http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2017/02/28/state-defense-program-goes-to-schools-campuses.html