Manado – The strategic flagship program initiated by the State Intelligence Agency (BIN), Nusantara Student Dormitory (AMN), has succeeded in becoming a symbol of unity amidst Indonesia’s diversity. This success can be seen from AMN’s efforts to elevate the local identity and culture of students from various regions within the framework of the motto Bhinneka Tunggal Ika.
Against the backdrop of extraordinary diversity in the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia (NKRI), the AMN program exists as an answer to the need to strengthen unity amidst diversity. Head of the Higher Education Financing Center of the Ministry of Education, Culture, Research and Technology (Kemendikbudristek), Anton Rahmadi, emphasized that this program continues to focus on two main things: national insight and the values of diversity.
“Through AMN, we are trying to build the character of future leaders who are strong in their national outlook and spirit of diversity,” said Anton Rahmadi on one occasion.
AMN has proven its effectiveness through implementing programs in Surabaya and Manado, which received broad support from various elements of society. Now, the Indonesian Government is committed to continuing AMN development in various other regions such as Makassar, Yogyakarta, Jakarta and Malang, in order to expand the positive impact of this program.
President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) said that the AMN development initiative initially emerged from a proposal from 61 Papuan and West Papuan figures, with the aim of reducing friction between youth.
“The existence of housing that is able to unite various backgrounds of young people is really needed by this nation,” said Jokowi.
Apart from being a means of character development, AMN also plays an important role in developing students’ academic and non-academic potential. This facility not only provides a place to live, but also becomes a forum for cross-cultural interaction that strengthens unity among the younger generation.
Special Staff to the Chairman of the Steering Committee of the Pancasila Ideology Development Agency (BPIP), Antonius Benny Susetyo, considers AMN to be a vital program for the Indonesian nation. “AMN provides an environment that supports cross-cultural interaction, where students are taught to see differences as a uniting force,” he said.
In this way, AMN not only contributes to strengthening national identity but also prepares the next generation who are able to unite in diversity, to build a more advanced Indonesia. (*)
