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History of Indonesia Scouting Academia
The implementation of Scouting courses in Indonesia universities began following the issuance of the 2014 Ministry of Education and Culture Regulation, which made scouting an obligatory extracurricular activity in schools. This policy created a growing demand for professional educators among prospective teacher candidates, educated by universities' school of education, equipping them with the skills to mentor and educate students through scouting activities in schools or madrasahs.
Over time, these courses have continued to grow in many universities across Indonesia, supported by the expertise and dedication of the lecturers involved. This development eventually sparked the idea of fostering collaboration among lecturers and academics, both in curriculum development and joint research initiatives.
In mid-2022, a group of lecturers from several universities initiated the formation of the Association of Indonesian Scouting Education Academia (Asdospram Indonesia). Early activities included webinars and workshops addressing issues related to course materials, curricula, syllabi, and Semester Learning Plans (RPS), as well as other collaborative efforts in the implementation of Scouting Education. Recognizing the importance of enhancing the capacities of lecturers and host universities, the association was officially declared by its founding members as a contribution to sustainable national development.
History of Scouting in Indonesia
The presence of scouting in Indonesia, previously known as Pandu, is not a legacy of Dutch colonialism but a significant part of Indonesia's struggles for independence. Scouting in Indonesia began as a form of resistance against Dutch colonial rule, aimed at shaping a generation of young people who were independent, patriotic, and deeply devoted to their homeland. The term Pandu became an integral part of Indonesia's national anthem, Indonesia Raya, which was first performed on October 28, 1928, during the Youth Pledge (Sumpah Pemuda).
Although scouting activities were introduced during Dutch colonial rule, the participation of indigenous Indonesians (bumiputra) was heavily restricted. The Dutch feared that the movement was fostering a sense of nationalism among Indonesian youth. Recognizing this potential, H. Agus Salim introduced the term Pandu and Kepanduan as a substitute for the Dutch term Padvinderij, which was prohibited for indigenous people. As a result, Indonesian scouting evolved into an independent movement rooted in the spirit of anti-colonial resistance and the ideals of independence. Before Indonesia gained independence and the Indonesian military was established in 1945, kepanduan (scouting) groups played a significant role as freedom fighters. This is evidenced by the fact that many prominent figures of the kepanduan movement, such as H. Agus Salim, Soetomo (Bung Tomo), and General Soedirman (the founder of Indonesia Army), later became Indonesia’s national heroes.
This distinguishes Indonesia’s scouting movement from many other countries, where scouting was either directly adopted from the British model or inherited as part of colonial legacies. Notably, Baden Powell, the founder of the global scouting movement, holds little relevance in the historical narrative of scouting and the independence movement in Indonesia. His visit to the archipelago during the pre-independence era is largely seen as an extension of the colonial powers’ interests in their territories, rather than a meaningful contribution to Indonesia's scouting development or independence efforts.
H Agus Salim, the founder Pandu SIAP (Sarekat Islam Afdeling Pandoe) 1928
The Great General Soedirman
Baden Powel's visit to Indonesia (4-7 Desember 1934) as a part of the colonial powers’ interests in the territories (look who stand around him, none of them were indigenous scouters)
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