UPNVJ Public Relations - Veteran National Development University Jakarta (UPNVJ) held a National Defense Character Building and Training for 134 Student Council (OSIS) Chairpersons and guidance and counseling (BK) teachers from 100 high schools, vocational schools, and equivalents in DKI Jakarta (08/12/2025). The activity took place on Wednesday at the Bhinneka Tunggal Ika Auditorium, Pondok Labu Campus, with the theme "Igniting the Spirit of National Defense in High Schools & Vocational Schools Towards a Golden Indonesia in 2045."

The Head of the Bureau of Academic, Student Affairs, and Cooperation at UPNVJ, Dr. Asropi, SIP., M.Sc., opened the event on behalf of the rector. He emphasized that this activity serves as a character investment to shape young leaders who are conscious of the sustainability of the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia (NKRI). "The student council president is a member of the school's elite, selected for their potential and integrity," Asropi said.

Asropi outlined three forms of national defense for students: a love of the homeland through academic achievement, environmental preservation, and local culture; national awareness through respect for differences, tolerance, and obedience to the law; and belief in Pancasila as a filter for information and ideology.

As a campus with a National Defense identity, UPNVJ is committed to continuously instilling the values of struggle and nationalism. "We hope this collaboration will serve as a bridge for the younger generation to understand that the responsibility of defending the nation is our collective responsibility," he concluded.

The event continued with presentations by three speakers. Jerry Indrawan discussed understanding national defense as a foundation for leadership character. Colonel Inf. Adang Suherlan, S.Sos., from the Directorate of National Defense, discussed developing a generation with critical thinking and a spirit of national defense. Kamilah, SPd., ST., MPd., as a national defense activist, motivated the spirit of national defense towards a Golden Indonesia 2045.

In addition to listening to the material, participants were also invited to participate in interactive discussions, question and answer sessions, and pro and con debate simulations designed to train critical and argumentative thinking skills.

Through debate simulations, participants were challenged to develop arguments based on national values and evaluate current issues from various perspectives. This activity garnered high enthusiasm because it provided a more contextual and applicable learning experience for the participants.

This interactive activity also provides a space for participants to exchange ideas, strengthen networks, and understand the implementation of national defense in everyday life in the school environment.

The National Defense Character Building and Development program expanded UPNVJ's network with schools in Jakarta. The enthusiasm of the participants demonstrated the relevance of national defense in education. UPNVJ hopes these values will become the foundation of future leaders' character, supporting the vision of Golden Indonesia 2045, as outlined in the 2005-2045 National Long-Term Development Plan (RPJPN), which aims for Indonesia to become a developed nation.