Malang, en.SERU.co.id — Nearly 1,000 new students at SMK PGRI 3 Malang (Skariga) kicked off the school year with the lively 39th edition of Kegiatan Cinta Sekolah (KCS), themed “Garda Swarna 39.”
The program, which serves as the school’s signature orientation, aims to mold competitive graduates who possess strong character and technical skills — often described by the school as its “crucible” for producing top-tier alumni.
During the opening ceremony, Frenky Minggaryana Dwi Putra, Head of SMK Division at the East Java Education Department’s Malang Regional Office, praised KCS as an exemplary initiative worth replicating.
“KCS is an outstanding program that fosters students’ enthusiasm and love for their school from day one. It helps them understand their responsibilities as students at SMK PGRI 3 Malang, so they can graduate with above-average competencies and be readily accepted by industry,” he said.
Frenky also stressed the importance of creating child-friendly schools that are safe, comfortable, and free from bullying. He highlighted the critical role of the School Violence Prevention and Handling Team (TPPK) in quickly addressing any issues and providing trauma support when needed.
“Schools must actively strengthen TPPK’s function to minimize bullying from the start,” he added.
A Golden Guard for Indonesia’s Golden Generation
School Principal Dr. Moch Lukman Hakim, S.T., M.M., explained that KCS is Skariga’s branded version of the national school orientation program (MPLS). This year’s event welcomed 987 new students from 18 provinces across Indonesia under the theme “Garda Swarna 39.”
“Garda Swarna represents our vision of nurturing Skariga’s young generation to shine like gold while firmly upholding noble national values amid technological disruption. Education is not just about sharpening the mind — it’s also about strengthening character,” Lukman said.
He broke down the theme: “Garda” symbolizes resilient Skariga youth standing at the forefront as agents of change, while “Swarna” (Sanskrit for gold) signifies purity of intention, success, and lofty ideals toward “Indonesia Emas” (Golden Indonesia).
The school collaborated with the Indonesian Air Force’s Lanal unit to instill the “7 Habits of Great Indonesian Children” (KAIH), which include waking up early, praying, exercising, eating nutritious food, loving to learn, engaging with the community, and going to bed early.
Symbolic Opening Ceremony
The event opened with a vibrant Tari Nusantara performance and a flag parade by the paskibra team, showcasing the school’s 14 vocational majors. The highlight was a symbolic water-pouring ritual onto a white canvas, revealing the words “Garda Swarna.”
Lukman explained the meaningful gesture: “This pouring represents the school’s duty to unlock and elevate the hidden potential within each student. Like a blank canvas, our students are ready to absorb knowledge. With proper guidance and blessings, their talents will emerge and shine.”
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The water symbolizes refreshing wisdom, moral guidance, and continuous prayers from teachers and elders for the students’ future.
Following the ceremony, students marched from Universitas Islam Malang (UNISMA) to the SMK campus, proudly carrying departmental flags and the national red-and-white flag. They then toured their respective workshops for hands-on introductions led by department heads, workshop leaders, and technicians.
Throughout the program, each group is guided by dedicated “wali KCS” mentors who provide support and motivation.
The opening was attended by education officials, PGRI representatives, Unisma representatives, and local police. (rhd)
