The government launched Monday the annual fifth National Historical Trip (Lasenas) for high school students and history teachers from across the country.
During the six-day trip held from Aug. 13 to Aug. 18, 200 participants will visit several historical sites and cultural destinations in Padang, Bukit Tinggi, Sawah Lunto, Lima Puluh Koto and Batu Sangkar in West Sumatra.
The trip, themed The Role of West Sumatrans in Saving Indonesia, was organized by the Culture and Tourism Ministry and the Education Ministry and will coincide with Independence Day celebrations on Aug. 17. Its particular focus will be on the establishment of the emergency government (PDRI) in the province during a second military advancement by the Dutch in December 1948.
Magdalia Alfian, director of historical values at the Cultural and Tourism Ministry‘s directorate general of history and archeology, said it was expected students would have a sound understanding of the PDRI as it was an important event in the nation‘s history.
"Lasenas gives students a fun and effective way of studying history. They will not only learn about the subject from their textbooks, but also by visiting related historical places. We hope this activity will heighten their sense of nationalism and their understanding of their country‘s history," she said.
Education Minister Bambang Sudibyo said the activity would hopefully improve the students‘ skills, especially in history.
"This is also part of our effort to build a knowledge-based society, with history and culture being the important pillars," he said during the launch of the program.
Cultural and Tourism Minister Jero Wacik also attended the event.
Lasenas has been held annually since 2003 and has involved hundreds of high school students and history teachers from around the country.
Students and teachers selected to take part in the activity are the highest achievers at regional Lasenas selection events.
Among provinces that have been Lesenas destinations in the past are Java, Nanggroe Aceh Darussalam, South Sulawesi and Bangka Belitung.
Aside from visiting historical sites, students will also meet with local figures to discuss the PDRI and write articles about their findings.
Source: www.thejakartapost.com (15 Agustus 2007)