Inaugurating Susi Environmental School at Pangandaran Airshow 2026, Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education Appreciates Susi Pudjiastuti’s Concrete Step in Promoting Nature-Based Education

Deputy Minister of Primary and Secondary Education (Wamen Dikdasmen) Fajar Riza Ul Haq officially inaugurated Susi Environmental School (SES) at the Susi International Beach Strip, Pangandaran, West Java. The inauguration of the nature-based school was part of the Pangandaran Airshow 2026 event series, which took place from September 4–6, 2026. The inauguration opened with a captivating performance by SES students in front of the invited guests. The children performed with great confidence under the guidance and direction of Bimbi Lastri, the Principal of SES. They wore the school's signature nature-school uniform, a casual t-shirt and vest paired with outdoor field pants and a sun hat. The sequence of performances kicked off with a dance set to the songs "A Ram Sam Sam" and "One Little Finger." The showcase was made even more remarkable by an English-language presentation from one of the female students, who delivered a powerful message on environmental conservation and the importance of not capturing lobster seeds. The children's performances then concluded beautifully with two female students singing the song "Nenek Moyangku" (My Ancestors). The Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education appreciated the initiative of SES founder, Susi Pudjiastuti, in offering an alternative nature-based education while encouraging community and private sector involvement to improve educational quality and human resource development in the region. In his remarks, Deputy Minister Fajar Riza Ul Haq emphasized the importance of outdoor learning in building children's connection with nature and the environment from an early age. According to him, this approach plays a crucial role in providing balance amid children's increasing exposure to technology and gadgets. "To be honest, our education system must truly connect our children with their environment and their peers. Why is this important? Because today, most of our children are raised by smartphones and brought up by social media. The presence of early childhood and kindergarten education that connects children with the coastal environment, beaches, and the ocean serves as an antithesis to today's gadget-bound generation," said Deputy Minister, Fajar Riza Ul Haq. In addition to its nature-based learning approach, the government also welcomed SES's long-term vision, which begins at the early childhood and kindergarten levels and includes plans to expand into elementary, junior high, and senior high schools. This sustainable educational development is aligned with the directives of the President of the Republic of Indonesia to build integrated educational centers of excellence across various regions. Susi Pudjiastuti expressed her commitment to delivering high-quality educational institutions that prioritize not only accessibility, but also learning quality. "My work is still far from over. With the flying school already running, we are now starting with early childhood and kindergarten levels, eventually expanding to elementary, junior high, and senior high schools before students transition into aviation. My wish is not only to train pilots, but also mechanics, engineers, as well as experts in maritime and seafaring fields. God willing, with the support of everyone here and the Deputy Minister, I will complete this mission step by step," said Susi Pudjiastuti. The inauguration of Susi Environmental School was marked by the signing of an inscription plaque by Deputy Minister Fajar Riza Ul Haq. The procession symbolized the official beginning of SES's journey in providing nature- and environment-based education in Pangandaran. Following the inauguration ceremony, the Deputy Minister of Primary and Secondary Education, Fajar Riza Ul Haq, accompanied by his wife and a team from the Ministry, paid a direct visit to Susi Environmental School on Jalan Merdeka, Pananjung, Pangandaran. The group was welcomed by the Chairperson of the Kaji Ireng Khodijah Foundation, Nadine Kaiser, and the Principal of SES, Bimbi Lastri. The entourage was guided on a tour of various learning facilities, ranging from indoor and outdoor classrooms, a mini zoo, and a fish pond, to nature-based play areas. The visit provided an opportunity to witness firsthand the implementation of the environment-based educational concept championed by Susi Environmental School, where the surrounding natural environment forms an integral part of a child's learning experience through exploration, interaction, and hands-on discovery. The presence of SES is expected to contribute to efforts in delivering an education that not only builds children's knowledge and skills, but also nurtures curiosity, independence, environmental stewardship, and a close connection with nature from an early age. Moving forward, SES is committed to continuous growth and to delivering high-quality education rooted in the local environment and the needs of the Pangandaran community.