By: Nia S. Amira, an Indonesian author, journalist, and linguist. She writes on culture, international affairs, multiculturalism, and religious studies.

That morning, the road heading to Andara toll gate was still quiet, and the distance of about 40 km from Jalan Brigif to Jalan Cidodol in South Jakarta could be taken only in 40 minutes including the road from home, trafficless.

It was a sunny bright Saturday, August 15, Dr. Saurmaida Gultom, M.Pd (52), the Head Master of SMPN 153 who has just been carrying out her duties since August 1, 2019, looked excited in her red and white uniform, with small chignon on her hair and wearing red earrings. She was accompanied by Dr. Ester Karista Sinambela, M.Pd, who was also dressed up in a matching suit, both appeared to look compact. It was the idea of Ester Sinambela as an accessor in the state school which is one of the first state junior high schools in DKI Jakarta Province. That morning everyone has agreed to come to the school and do school's service for the creation of a clean, tidy and comfortable school environment. It was still 6 o'clock in the morning, but the students have started to gather in the field, in the middle of the school building which in 2007 had adopted the Education Unit Level Curriculum. The period of school education at SMP Negeri 153 Jakarta is taken in three years, starting from Class VII to Class IX, just like any other public school.

Some students wore Scout uniforms, accompanied by their coaches, others wore sports uniforms and the teachers wore red and white uniforms complete with additional accessories. All look radiant even though that day was a holiday for schools located in DKI Jakarta.

While the male teachers set up rows of students, female teachers were busy preparing the cake which symbolizes the spirit of Indonesian people to gain Independence. Saurmaida led the ceremony accompanied by the three vice head masters; Damiri, M.Pd., Taufik, S.Pd., Sugito, S.Pd., M.M., then continued with the cake cutting. Poco-poco music hit the event, invited all who were at the school field to do the exercises and dance happily.

Learn archery at SMPN 153 Jakarta

Along the morning, Saurmaida took Esther around from class to class, observing every corner of the room, including the laboratory room which needs to be renovated. Meanwhile, head of the school’s executor, Rr. Woeri Vive Khananda, SH., MHum (49) invited students and teachers to learn Archery. Vive, an energetic teacher, has been feeling lucky to be placed in the school with 754 students. According to Vive, togetherness and cohesiveness are very dominant at SMP Negeri 153, while infrastructure and facilities are a big challenge for the school where 80% of students rely on KJP facilities.

With its various facilities, both headmaster and teachers of SMP Negeri 153 Jakarta are working hard to conduct learning and teaching process in a good way, while waiting for massive construction of several classroom units that will be carried out in the near future. Saurmaida herself often rewards students by encouraging students to collect the most waste from the school grounds. Students become more familiar with their headmaster who has conducted a literacy program for students and teachers.

Saurmaida proudly invited her guests to look closely to the Water Park and Literacy Cafe that have been built followed the advice of Ester Sinambela. These tough women make every effort to build a clean, beautiful, and comfortable school image, assisted by teachers, students, and school helpers who tirelessly work out together for the best of their school. Saurmaida, who loves singing, wishing her dream comes true that she can optimize the school in the daily learning process.

When cutting the Independence Day cake, all students and teachers shouted an enthusiastic Yell, "Together We Can, Together We Go Forward."

The program ended with a group photo in the water park that is filled with beautifully arranged plants and also posed at the literacy cafe which is expected to emerge more bright ideas in the form of literary works created by students and teachers.

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