National Education Day or abbreviated as "Hardiknas" is celebrated every 2 May. May 2 is the birthday of Ki Hajar Dewantara, an education pioneer who was declared a national hero and the Father of National Education. The reason is, that the development of education in Indonesia is closely related to the struggle of Ki Hadjar Dewantara as a pioneer of indigenous education during the Dutch colonial period. Therefore, the story of National Education Day is also the story of Ki Hajar Dewantara who fought for the education of the Indonesian nation.

Father of National Education

Reporting from Kompas.com, Ki Hadjar Dewantara was the first education minister in Indonesia. His figure was mandated as Indonesia's Minister of Teaching in the Cabinet of President Soekarno. Ki Hadjar Dewantara was also the second National Hero appointed by the President on November 28, 1959. Through that decree, he was also designated as the Father of National Education. As reported by Kompas Daily, on May 2, 1968, Ki Hadjar Dewantara received an award from the government for his services. He is considered to have pioneered the national education system based on national personality and culture.

2022 National Education Day Theme

In 2022, the theme of National Education Day is "Lead Recovery, Move for Free Learning". Quoting from the Guidelines for Commemorating National Education Day in 2022, the ceremony to commemorate this year's National Education Day will be held on Friday, May 13, 2022, at 08.00 with limited face-to-face meetings. Apparently, this is because May 2, 2022, coincides with Eid Al-Fitr which is also a national holiday. The Indonesian Ministry of Education and Culture's YouTube channel and several educational TV channels also streamed the flag ceremony to commemorate National Education Day this year.

Happy Education Day to all students, teachers, and teaching staff throughout Indonesia.