On April 24, 2025, the Dinas Pendidikan dan Kebudayaan (Disdikbud) and Kejaksaan Tinggi (Kejati) Kalimantan Timur (Kaltim) took a significant step towards enhancing education in underprivileged areas by providing essential learning equipment to children at the Kalasan Maratua Foundation on Maratua Island, Berau. This initiative underscores the commitment of local authorities to improve educational resources in remote regions, particularly those classified as tertinggal, terdepan, and terluar (3T).
Sugianto, the Head of the Sub-Division for Planning at Disdikbud Kaltim, expressed pride in the foundation's efforts, stating, "We are proud that the Kalasan Maratua Foundation is a voluntary initiative that operates in the education sector, providing additional learning support for children on Maratua Island." The assistance included stationery and cash, aimed at alleviating the educational challenges faced by the island's youth.
The Kalasan Maratua Foundation is notable for offering free English tutoring, a program initiated by Mr. Enter. This educational support comes at a critical time for the residents of Maratua, an island situated in the Sulawesi Sea, which borders Sabah (East Malaysia) and the Southern Philippines. The geographical location of Maratua presents various challenges, particularly concerning connectivity and the distribution of essential goods.
Sugianto elaborated on the difficulties faced by the island, noting, "Infrastructure limitations result in high prices for essential goods, including rice, compared to other areas in Kaltim." This economic strain highlights the need for targeted educational and infrastructural support in the region.
Moreover, Sugianto emphasized the importance of English proficiency for the children of Maratua, especially given the island's potential for marine tourism. He stated, "The ability to speak English can be an important asset for the younger generation in developing the local tourism sector and interacting with international visitors." This perspective aligns with broader efforts to enhance the island's economic prospects through education.
In a related development, the Pamekasan Regency Government in East Java also made strides in promoting sustainable energy solutions. On the same day, April 24, 2025, they, in collaboration with Universitas Trunojoyo Madura (UTM), symbolically handed over biogas Sistema installation units to several recipients at the Mandhapa Aghung Ronggosukowati.
During this event, Prof. Dr. Safi', the Rector of UTM, expressed gratitude towards the local government, stating, "On behalf of UTM, we express our appreciation and thanks, especially to the Regent and all members of the Pamekasan Regency Government, particularly the relevant departments that have supported this initiative." This biogas project is part of a broader government priority focusing on food and energy security.
Prof. Dr. Safi' further explained that the university's research and innovation efforts are centered on developing local resources, including corn, salt, and biogas. He highlighted the importance of these initiatives, saying, "UTM's research innovations are prioritized for the development of Madura's potential, including this biogas project, which has seen significant collaboration with the Pamekasan Regency Government."
The Pamekasan Regent, Dr. KH. Kholilurrahman, praised UTM's concrete efforts, stating, "We recognize that biogas is an environmentally friendly energy source because it does not produce smoke, and its waste is beneficial for plants and has several other advantages." This initiative not only addresses energy needs but also promotes sustainable practices in the region.
The recipients of the biogas Sistema units included Fadil, S.Sos (Head of Rek Kerrek Village), KH. Ilzammuddin (Ponpes Al-Fatih), Dr. Ir. Gita Pawana, M.Si. (Head of LPPM UTM), and Nur Salim (Kertagena Daya Village). Other beneficiaries included Imam Syafii/Ali Farid (Pangereman Village), Sahrawai (Klompang Barat Village), Hanif Rizal (Tampojung Guwa Village), Murjadin (Seddur Village), Musleh (Kaduara Barat Village), and Mulan (Tampojung Pregi Village).
Each recipient received varying capacities of the Sistema units, with Fadil and KH. Ilzammuddin receiving Sistema 40, Dr. Ir. Gita Pawana, M.Si. receiving Sistema 30, and Nur Salim receiving Sistema 20. Additionally, Imam Syafii/Ali Farid received Sistema 16, Sahrawai received Sistema 12, and Hanif Rizal, Murjadin, and Musleh each received Sistema 6, while Mulan received Sistema 10.
Regent Kholilurrahman expressed strong support for the project, stating, "I fully support this program and hope it does not stop once this project is completed, but we will encourage its sustainability to other locations in Pamekasan Regency." This commitment to ongoing support reflects a broader vision for sustainable development in the region.
Both initiatives in Berau and Pamekasan highlight the importance of collaboration between educational institutions, local governments, and community organizations in addressing pressing social and economic challenges. By focusing on education and sustainable energy, these programs aim to empower communities and foster resilience in the face of adversity.
