An Inspiring Journey: AMMAN Academy Student Arafat Makes History at the State Palace

Sumbawa Barat, 28 August 2025 - At AMMAN Academy, a school located within the Batu Hijau mining townsite owned by PT Amman Mineral Nusa Tenggara (AMMAN), a teenager named Arafat Abdullah Hanif grew up with a big dream. Since childhood, whenever the Independence Day ceremony was televised, he was captivated by the National Flag-Raising Squad (Paskibraka). To him, they were more than just a flag-raising squad; they symbolized discipline, unity, and dignity.

“They look so noble,” he thought. This profound yet straightforward aspiration took root: to be part of that elite team. From that moment, his long journey to the National Paskibraka squad began.

Arafat's journey started with selections at the school level, which then led to the district level. His first challenge was the distance. He had to endure a two-hour round trip for every selection and training session. However, the travel fatigue was nothing compared to the bigger challenge: balancing his dream with his obligations.

“All the selection processes, whether at the district, provincial, or national level, were physically and mentally exhausting,” Arafat said.

On top of that, he had to set aside time for almost daily practice to meet the Paskibraka selection test targets. This challenge was even more difficult because he was also the student council president and had to keep up with all his schoolwork. It was common for him to stay up late to finish all his responsibilities on time.

The provincial selection process became a turning point. From all the participants, four male candidates from NTB (West Nusa Tenggara) were chosen to go to Jakarta for the national selection. There, Arafat had to face a series of physical and mental tests over five days, including two health exams, a psychological test, an interview, and marching drills. Amid his doubts, the support from those closest to him became his greatest strength. His parents were his primary motivators, always encouraging him to move forward. 

The role of his mentor teacher, Mr. Wira from AMMAN Academy, was also crucial.

“He sacrificed so much of his time to help with my entire registration and selection process," Arafat recalled with emotion.

The support didn't stop there. His school, AMMAN Academy, played a significant role. They helped prepare his documents, arranged transportation, and even adjusted Arafat's schedule to avoid conflict with his school and organizational activities. This proved that behind an individual's success, there is always a solid team providing support.

After passing the selection, Arafat flew to Jakarta for national-level training and education. He and his fellow Paskibraka members lived in a quarantine-like setting they affectionately called 'Happy Village.' Their daily routine reflected exceptional discipline: waking up at 4 AM, tidying their rooms, and washing and ironing their own clothes.

It was in Happy Village that Arafat found his new family. He interacted with incredible students from various provinces. Differences were not a barrier. They quickly bonded, building a strong sense of camaraderie.

“We participants became like siblings,” Arafat said. “We were taught the spirit of korsa, a sense of unity and kinship.”

The lessons he learned there went far beyond marching and physical drills. Discipline, which he believes starts with small things, became a new habit that made his life more organized. Teamwork and cooperation were also key. Arafat realized that in Paskibraka, there is no individual success without the spirit and contributions of every member.

The coaches and mentors never tired of instilling valuable advice. “They always reminded us to be grateful and never forget our struggles,” Arafat remembered. He was also taught to be polite, friendly, and caring.

When Arafat first saw the Presidential Palace, where he would serve, he was awestruck. He immediately imagined the sacred atmosphere of the proclamation moments. A mix of emotion and pride filled him. This experience changed his perspective on nationalism.

“I now realize that nationalism is not just about serving the country, but it's also a mindset and actions based on the values of Pancasila,” he said. Learning about the struggles of past heroes made him appreciate how hard they fought for independence.

The long-awaited day arrived. During the flag ceremony on 17 August 2025, with a heart full of prayers, Arafat stepped onto the grounds of the Merdeka Palace. Amid thousands of eyes, he and his colleagues raised the Red and White flag. The noble duty went smoothly and was tangible proof of hard work, dedication, and support from all sides.

Arafat's story is a testament to the fact that a dream, accompanied by hard work, perseverance, and genuine support from loved ones, will bear sweet fruit. Arafat now hopes his achievement will be valuable for his future education and career. More than that, he has proven that a student from Sumbawa Barat can achieve the highest dream, serve the nation, and inspire many people.

AMMAN Academy was founded in July 2008 and is located within the Batu Hijau townsite, specifically serving the children of AMMAN's employees and business partners.

Previously known as Sekolah Buin Batu, the school was formed by merging two existing schools: Sekolah Nasional Buin Batu (SNBB), which was established on January 17, 2000, in the townsite, and Batu Hijau International School (BHIS), which was established in 1998 in Mataram.

AMMAN Academy provides a complete education from playgroup to grade 12 with the International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum, including the Early Years, Primary Years Programme, Middle Years Programme, and Diploma Programme. With an educational staff of local Indonesian teachers and expatriate teachers from Australia, Canada, India, the Netherlands, Malaysia, New Zealand, South Africa, and the United States, AMMAN Academy offers an international-standard learning environment for the Batu Hijau community.