The schoolyard of TK Islam Sabilillah Malang 2 was filled with energy on Tuesday morning (August 4, 2026). Under a bright blue sky, the cheerful laughter of young learners echoed across the campus. However, that morning was unlike any other. Their laughter blended with the firm commands of soldiers from the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) as the children took part in a marching drill session as part of the school’s Character Building Program (MBK).
This was more than just a marching exercise. The school collaborated with personnel from the Cavalry Battalion (Yonkav) to introduce students to the values of discipline, confidence, and responsibility through age-appropriate military-style drills. The goal was not military training, but character formation from an early age.
“Attention!” called one of the Yonkav instructors from the center of the field.
Immediately, the children stood tall with their hands by their sides, their eyes looking straight ahead. Their small footsteps moved in rhythm across the schoolyard. Laughter occasionally erupted when someone lost the beat, yet there was no sign of fear—only excitement and eagerness to learn.
What made the activity even more meaningful was the involvement of several Yonkav personnel who are also parents of students at the school. Their participation created a warm and inspiring atmosphere, making the children even more enthusiastic.
“We invited Yonkav personnel to guide this activity. Coincidentally, several of them are also parents of our students,” said Nunik S. Hariarti, S.Pd., M.Pd., Principal of TK Islam Sabilillah Malang 2.
“The children were incredibly enthusiastic and enjoyed practicing the marching movements,” she added.
Nunik explained that the school’s character education program consists of two stages. The Character Building Program (MBK) is designed for Group A students, while Character Strengthening is implemented for Group B students to reinforce the values they learned in the previous year.
“Group A consists of our new students, so we focus on building fundamental character for one month, beginning in mid-July,” Nunik explained. “Meanwhile, Group B students continue strengthening the positive values they have already developed.”
At this age, children’s physical coordination is still developing. Through simple, age-appropriate marching drills, they learn how to stand confidently, maintain proper posture, follow instructions, and salute the national flag correctly.
More than just a physical activity, the marching drill serves as a medium for developing essential character traits, including discipline, self-confidence, responsibility, teamwork, and leadership. Every small step they take today lays the foundation for becoming resilient and responsible future leaders.
The Character Building Program will culminate on October 24, 2026, when all educational units under Sekolah Sabilillah will participate in a Joint Character Inauguration Ceremony. This event will symbolize the students’ commitment to putting the character values they have learned into daily practice as part of their lifelong journey of growth.
