EduAsiaNews, Jakarta – A Focus Group Discussion (FGD) between Universitas Pembangunan Nasional “Veteran” Jakarta (UPNVJ) and the Indonesian National Defense Movement (Gerakan Bela Negara Indonesia/GBNI) has outlined four strategic priorities for strengthening the implementation of national defense values in society. Held at the UPNVJ Pondok Labu Campus in South Jakarta on Saturday (Aug. 15, 2026), the forum identified four key areas: strengthening national defense values across sectors; implementing a non-military approach and character development; expanding the Actualization of National Defense (ABN) program; and empowering communities in rural and other areas requiring greater support.
The FGD was part of a series of events marking the inauguration of the GBNI Central Executive Board and its National Work Meeting (Mukernas). The discussion brought together GBNI officials, academics, and lecturers involved in the Mandatory Curriculum Courses (MKWK) to explore more concrete, contextual, and impactful approaches to implementing national defense values.
One of the key points raised was the need to strengthen the cultivation of national defense values through cross-sector collaboration. The forum emphasized that this effort cannot be carried out by a single institution but requires the involvement of universities, government institutions, community organizations, schools, Islamic boarding schools, and other stakeholders.
A non-military approach was also highlighted as a key focus. National defense was framed in terms of strengthening character, discipline, ethics, social responsibility, and the ability to respond to challenges facing society.
UPNVJ’s ABN Program as a Model for Implementation
During the FGD, Dr. Azwar presented UPNVJ’s experience in implementing the Actualization of National Defense (ABN) program. The initiative represents one of the university’s efforts to translate national defense values into practice, encouraging students not only to understand national identity and civic values conceptually but also to apply them through activities relevant to community life.
The approach further reinforces UPNVJ’s role as a National Defense Campus, integrating national values into learning and student character development.
Efforts to strengthen the implementation of these values are also being pursued through Mandatory Curriculum Courses (MKWK).
Aniek Irawati explained that, in terms of learning content, MKWK is designed to produce projects linked to the implementation of national defense values. Such projects can be developed collaboratively to generate meaningful benefits for both students and communities.
The learning process can also incorporate technology, including artificial intelligence (AI), to support education and community empowerment in relevant and responsible ways.
Through project-based learning, students are encouraged not only to master academic material but also to identify problems, work collaboratively, develop social awareness, and produce solutions that can be applied in communities.
Rural Communities as a Key Target
The FGD also identified rural communities and areas requiring greater support as important targets for the implementation of national defense values.
Efforts in these areas will not be limited to character development but may also address economic, social, health, and community issues. The approach is intended to ensure that national defense values are manifested through concrete contributions that respond to local needs.
The forum also emphasized the importance of incorporating local wisdom into every program. National defense initiatives in one region do not necessarily have to follow the same model as those in another, but should be adapted to local social and cultural characteristics as well as community needs.
Extending Programs to Schools and Community Organizations
In addition to identifying substantive priorities, the FGD outlined several follow-up targets for GBNI.
One of them is to strengthen the organization’s presence across Indonesian provinces by prioritizing Actualization of National Defense programs targeting schools, community organizations, Islamic boarding schools, and village-based communities.
Implementation will be pursued through cross-sector partnerships involving both government and non-government stakeholders.
In a presentation on the organization’s work programs, Dr. Kukuh explained that various forms of national defense actualization have already been implemented, including discipline-building programs for civil servants, national defense education for elementary school students, and character-building activities for students at Islamic boarding schools.
Other initiatives include training for Qur’an memorizers, or hafiz, to prepare them to contribute to society; marching formation training; the development of etiquette; and education on responsible social media use.
These practices served as a basis for discussions on models that could be further developed through collaboration with UPNVJ.
Strengthening UPNVJ–GBNI Collaboration
The FGD also called for the discussion to move beyond the forum itself and be followed by concrete action plans.
One proposal is to strengthen cooperation between UPNVJ and GBNI in community empowerment programs, including the development of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) with more inclusive target groups, including people with disabilities.
The use of digital media was also considered important for expanding the reach of national defense education. Aniek proposed optimizing digital communication channels, particularly Instagram, to deliver national defense messages in formats that are more accessible and engaging to younger generations.
The FGD underscored that the actualization of national defense values requires a multidimensional approach. Character education, community empowerment, technology utilization, local wisdom, and cross-sector collaboration are interconnected elements in strengthening the implementation of national defense values.
For UPNVJ, the forum further reinforces its commitment as a National Defense Campus to translating national values into practical initiatives that are relevant to the needs of society.(www.upnvj.ac.id)
