WEST KALIMANTAN, JurnalPost.com - The University of Indonesia (UI) Patriot Expedition (TEP) team conducted a community service program at SMAN 1 Kubu, West Kalimantan, on Monday (26/10/2026). The initiative encouraged students to strengthen values of diversity, enhance tolerance, and build a school environment free from bullying and discrimination.
The program is part of the Transmigration Patriot Expedition for the Nation organized by the Ministry of Transmigration. Beyond fulfilling the Tri Dharma of Higher Education, the activity aims to instill awareness regarding the importance of respecting diversity among the younger generation.
Through a campaign focused on national care, students were encouraged to understand that differences in ethnicity, language, culture, customs, perspectives, and habits are inherent parts of society that must be approached with mutual respect.
Strengthening this understanding is considered vital because diversity without tolerance can lead to social issues. In a school setting, these issues can manifest as bullying, discrimination, social exclusion, or conflict arising from differing opinions.
Respecting Differences Without Needing to Be the Same
The head of the UI Patriot Expedition team, Siti Fatimah, M.Pd., emphasized that a harmonious life does not require everyone to share the same views or background.
According to her, the ability to accept differences is a crucial attitude that should be cultivated from a young age. Every individual has the right to express opinions and hold their own views, but they also have a duty to respect others.
“We do not need to be the same to live together in peace. It does not mean everyone must have the same opinion. Everyone is allowed to have different views while still respecting the rights of others and safeguarding the common interest,” said Siti Fatimah.
This message was a core topic during the community service activity held with students at SMAN 1 Kubu.
Through an educational approach, the UI Patriot Expedition team sought to encourage students to view diversity as a strength in building togetherness, rather than a reason to differentiate or marginalize others.
Mutual respect must also be applied in daily interactions, whether during lessons, group work, socializing, or expressing opinions within the school environment.
Preventing Bullying and Discrimination in Schools
In addition to strengthening national awareness, the activity addressed various social issues faced by adolescents, particularly bullying and discrimination.
Bullying does not always occur through physical acts. Teasing, insults, social exclusion, and the spread of derogatory comments on social media can also have significant impacts on a student's social and psychological well-being.
Therefore, reinforcing the value of diversity serves as an approach to building awareness so that students are capable of respecting differences and are less likely to engage in harmful behavior toward others.
The UI Patriot Expedition team also encouraged students to develop empathy and care for one another. This attitude is expected to help create a comfortable learning atmosphere while strengthening social bonds within the school.
In daily life, the value of tolerance can be realized through simple actions, such as respecting a friend's opinion, not mocking different backgrounds, helping friends in need, and rejecting discriminatory behavior.
Responsible social media use was also part of the national message delivered. Students are expected to maintain communication ethics, avoid spreading hate speech, and refrain from using differences as a basis for insults.
Inviting the Younger Generation to Commit to Unity
As part of the event, Siti Fatimah and the UI Patriot Expedition team delivered a message of national commitment to the younger generation.
This commitment emphasizes the importance of treating everyone fairly, developing empathy, rejecting all forms of bullying, and maintaining unity in daily life.
“We, the young generation of Indonesia, are committed to respecting differences, treating everyone fairly, fostering empathy, rejecting bullying and discrimination, using social media responsibly, and working together for unity and a safe, peaceful, and inclusive school life,” stated the national message delivered during the event.
The message also affirmed that the responsibility of maintaining harmony does not rest solely on teachers or school authorities but requires the active involvement of all students.
Through the habit of mutual respect, every student can contribute to creating a healthier friendship environment that is open to differences.
Diversity Expected to Become Part of Daily Life
The community service activity carried out by the UI Patriot Expedition team at SMAN 1 Kubu was not only aimed at increasing students' understanding of the meaning of diversity.
Furthermore, this program is expected to encourage changes in attitude and behavior so that the values of unity are applied tangibly in daily life.
Understanding diversity becomes increasingly important as the younger generation interacts with people from different backgrounds. The ability to communicate, collaborate, and resolve disagreements peacefully is an essential asset for them.
Through this activity, the University of Indonesia's Patriot Expedition team hopes that students can become part of a generation that upholds tolerance, possesses social awareness, and has the courage to reject bullying and discrimination.
By instilling empathy and mutual respect from an early age, the school environment is expected to become a safe and inclusive space for all students, while serving as a place for the growth of a young generation capable of maintaining national unity amidst diversity.
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