Minister of Education, Culture, Research and Technology of the Republic of Indonesia, Nadiem Anwar Makarim, said that the 2021 National Education Day (Hardiknas) is the right moment to reflect on what has been done well and what needs to be improved in the education system in Indonesia. It aligns with the 2021 National Education Day theme "Move Simultaneously, Realizing Independent of Learning." 

"The new page of Indonesian education means transformation. A transformation that still relies on the nation's history, and also the courage to create a glorious new history." Said Nadiem at the 2021 National Education Day commemoration ceremony at the Ministry of Education and Culture (Kemendikbud) office yard, Jakarta, Sunday (02/05). 

Nadiem said four improvement efforts were continuously carried out with various elements of society. First, improvements to infrastructure and technology. Second, improving policies, procedures, and funding and giving more autonomy to academic units. Third, improving leadership, society, and culture, and fourth, improving curriculum, pedagogy, and assessment. 

Ten episodes of Merdeka Belajar have also been launched. There are many more breakthroughs for Merdeka Belajar to be made by the Ministry of Education and Culture. 

"We are working on this meaningful transformation so that everything that has made this nation only run in place can be transformed into leaps of progress," continued Nadiem. 

Responding to the Covid-19 pandemic crisis that has not yet ended, Nadiem reminded us that this crisis provides an opportunity for us together to reap progress. "We need to understand that a pandemic is not the only challenge we face. There are still a series of challenges that we will and must go through together in the future. Let us go through all challenges with innovation and solutions. Let us create a history that is glorious and undeniable by the world, " said Nadiem. 

On the same occasion, the Dharma Wanita Association of the Ministry of Education and Culture advisor, Franka Makarim, also congratulated the 2021 National Education Day. According to her, one of the lessons learned from the Covid-19 pandemic is the challenge of being parents when children have to learn from home. "I also learned a lot during the past year, including realizing how big the role of the teachers is in ensuring the children learn and develop and build their character well," said Franka. 

The Congratulations for National Education Day were also conveyed by Bambang Soesatyo, as the Chairman of the Indonesian People's Consultative Assembly. He said that the commemoration of National Education Day was the right moment to evaluate and revitalize the meaning of the constitutional mandate, namely to educate the nation's life. "The impact of the Covid-19 Pandemic, which has eroded various aspects of our lives, should not be a barrier for us to keep working. Building togetherness and strengthening our national commitment, through the transformation of education we must keep moving at the same time realizing Freedom of Learning, "said Bambang. 

On this occasion, Agustina Wilujeng Pramestuti, as Deputy Chairman of Commission X DPR RI, congratulated the National Education Day 2021. He hopes that Free Learning, Independent Campus, and Pancasila Students will be the starting point for the success of character building for the younger generation in defending the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia who have a single diversity."

On the same occasion, the Chairman of the Indonesian Lecturer Association, Dino Patti Djalal, also wished him a Happy National Education Day 2021. According to him, in the 20th century, Indonesia was developed and developed by natural resources. In the 21st century, Human Resources will truly advance Indonesia. "Therefore, let us continue to transform our education system so that it continues to produce great teachers and children who are also smart and superior," said Dino. 

The Ministry of Education and Culture continues to strive to present breakthroughs for Merdeka Learning, including Merdeka Belajar Episode 1, which presents breakthroughs on four central policies so that the paradigm and old ways of learning and teaching can be transformed towards progress. Merdeka Belajar episode 2 "Kampus Merdeka". Merdeka Belajar episode 3 "Adjustment of BOS Funds Policy," Merdeka Belajar episode 4, "Mobilization Organizational Program," Merdeka Belajar episode 6 "Transformation of Government Funds for Higher Education," Merdeka Belajar episode 7 "Movers School Program," Merdeka Learning episode 8 "Central Vocational High School of Excellence, "Merdeka Belajar Episode 9" KIP Free Education, "and Merdeka Learning episode 10" Expansion of the Scholarship Program for Educational Fund Management Institutions." Another agenda in the 2021 National Education Day Ceremony, namely the Submission of Satyalencana Karya Satya Award Charter by the Minister of Education, Culture, Research and Technology to Ministry of Education and Culture employees. Submission of Static Archives from the Ministry of Education and Culture to ANRI by the Temporary Secretary-General of the Ministry of Education and Culture, and symbolically handing over static archive documents to the Temporary Chair of ANRI witnessed by the Minister of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology.

Education and cultural activists also attend the 2021 National Education Day Ceremony onsite. 

Students who win the gold medal for the 2020 competition. 2020 Learning House Ambassadors, Outstanding Teachers and Education Personnel, 2020 Youth Cultural Camp (KBKM), Anti-Corruption Teachers and Children 2020, and 2020 Language and BIPA Ambassadors (BPPB). The ceremony participants were representatives of employees from nine work units of the Ministry of Education and Culture. They wore traditional clothes from nine provinces. The Secretary-General of the Ministry of Education and Culture wore traditional Central Javanese clothing, the Secretary-General of Teachers and Education Personnel wore traditional Lampung clothes, the Directorate General of PAUDNI wore traditional West Sumatra clothing, the Directorate General of Vocational Education wore traditional Balinese clothes, the Directorate General of Higher Education wore West Kalimantan traditional clothes, the Directorate General of Culture wearing traditional South Sulawesi clothing, the Inspectorate General of the Ministry of Education and Culture wore traditional South Kalimantan clothing, the Ministry of Education and Culture's Balitbang and Books wore traditional North Sulawesi clothing, and the Language Development and Development Agency wore traditional Papuan clothing. 

The Minister of Education and Culture in 1993, Wardiman Djojonegoro, Minister of Education and Culture 2014-2016, Anies Baswedan, Sylviana Murni as Chair of Committee 3 DPD, and PLT. Head of Archives, M. Taufik, also attended this ceremony.