Jakarta (ANTARA News) - Teachers not only impart knowledge to students but also act as determinants of the nations future, President Joko Widodo stated in a speech to observe National Teachers Day at the Senayan Sport Stadium here, Tuesday.

"It should be underlined. I am confident that the work of teachers will determine the future of the nation," President Widodo affirmed, adding that the quality of Indonesias human resources is determined by the teachers as they can instill good work ethics in Indonesian children.

The president noted that National Teachers Day should serve as a momentum to remember the important role of teachers in the field of education to build the nations character.

According to the head of state, teachers are the agents of change in building the character of the nation, the groundwork for which is laid in schools and classrooms.

"A school is not just a place to study but is also a childs learning arena to shape his or her character," the president pointed out.

Further, he added that values, such as work ethics, hard work, integrity, honesty, optimism, discipline, and mutual help can be instilled in the children and be inculcated as a habit right from the school-going years.

President Widodo remarked that educationists are not only the teachers at schools and parents at homes but also professionals engaged in the fields of environment and technology.

He pointed out that television, social media, Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, Instagram, and others can influence and affect the character of children.

Therefore, he called on the teachers to empower the students to resist the rising negative influence of technology and social media in current times.(*)

Editor: Heru Purwanto
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