Jakarta Vice Governor, Rano Karno, emphasized Jakarta's vision to establish education as a path toward liberation, progress, and humanity.

"Education must be a bridge, not a wall. Education must be a door, not a fence," he asserted, during his remarks at the Provincial National Education Day Ceremony 2026 at Jakarta City Hall, Monday (5/4).

He stated that the administration is continuously making every effort to ensure that no child in Jakarta is left behind in their education due to their circumstances or is locked out by issues regarding costs, diplomas, access, or disasters.

The Jakarta government, he revealed, continues to implement concrete steps to advance national education. Various educational programs have been established, including the diploma redemption program for underprivileged students across all levels, from elementary, middle, and high school to vocational school (SMK) and Community Learning Centers (PKBM).

In collaboration with Baznas Bazis, he explained that in this first phase of 2026, the administration will distribute diplomas to 2,026 students.

Further, the Jakarta government today also sent off 561 vocational (SMK) alumni to work in Japan, Malaysia, and Germany. He expressed his hope that they would not only carry a spirit of skill and discipline but also uphold the good name of Jakarta and Indonesia.

He remarked that National Education Day is a clarion call of awareness and a moral summons, reminding us that a nation’s future is not merely built by skyscrapers, grand highways, or magnificent economic centers. Instead, it is built by vibrant classrooms and teachers who never tire of guiding children to reach their dreams.

"Education is a long journey to liberate human beings. That is the great spirit inherited from Ki Hajar Dewantara," he explained.

He continued by noting that Ki Hajar Dewantara taught that education is not simply about transferring knowledge from books to minds. It is also about igniting moral character, shaping integrity, fostering courage, and honoring human dignity.

"Ki Hajar Dewantara left a legacy that continues to live in the heartbeat of our education system: Ing Ngarsa Sung Tuladha, Ing Madya Mangun Karsa, Tut Wuri Handayani," he explained.

He noted that the phrase signifies that a teacher must provide an example at the front, build spirit in the middle, and provide encouragement from behind—a philosophy that must be continuously revitalized in Jakarta.

Rano also expressed his highest appreciation and respect to teachers. In his view, they are not just educators but the guardians of the flame of civilization.

"For every student who successfully rises and finds their direction in life, and for every family whose future is transformed by education, there lies the silent footprint of a teacher," he concluded.