On April 10, 2025, the Provincial Government of Nusa Tenggara Timur (Pemprov NTT) announced a significant educational initiative, providing assistance worth Rp 3,490,000,000 for educational programs in East Sumba. This funding, sourced from both the Special Allocation Fund (DAK) and the General Allocation Fund (DAU) specific Grant for the 2025 Fiscal Year, aims to support secondary education (SMA/SMK) and special education (SLB) within the region.
The funds were officially handed over by NTT Governor Emanuel Melkiades Laka Lena during a friendly gathering held at the official residence of the East Sumba Regent on April 5, 2025. The event was attended by various stakeholders, including school principals from SMA/SMK across East Sumba and members of the Association of Village Governments throughout Indonesia (Apedsi) in East Sumba.
During his address, Governor Melki emphasized the importance of integrating educational programs with local economic activities. He urged school principals to encourage students to engage in productive sectors, thereby aligning their education with the unique potential of their region. “We want to start thinking that at the SMA and SMK education levels, students should enter productive sectors according to the potential and advantages of their respective areas,” said Governor Melki, highlighting the need for students to gain practical experience in agriculture, livestock, and fisheries.
He elaborated on the necessity of designing a curriculum that reflects local potential, stating, “The region will advance if its potential is understood, managed, and developed by the younger generation.” The Governor's approach aims to foster a generation that is not only educated but also equipped to contribute to the local economy.
On April 6, 2025, the Governor continued his visit to East Sumba by attending a Mass at the Sang Sabda Lewa Parish Church. Following the religious service, he visited the STT-GKS in Lewa, where he encouraged students and teachers to utilize available land for various agricultural activities. He expressed hope that students would engage with the land owned by the church, planting crops such as rice, corn, and other horticultural products. “Do not let any land be neglected. The land owned by GKS must be utilized,” he urged.
Moreover, Governor Melki encouraged the students to develop an appreciation for local products, suggesting that they consume locally produced mineral water and other goods from small and medium enterprises (SMEs). He remarked, “This is part of supporting the development of local products and will enhance the economy in Sumba.”
As part of his ongoing working visit, Governor Melki planned to continue his journey to Central Sumba, West Sumba, and Southwest Sumba, furthering his efforts to engage with local educational institutions and communities.
In addition to the initiatives in East Sumba, the Indonesian government also announced the distribution of educational assistance through the Program Indonesia Pintar (PIP) starting on April 10, 2025. This program aims to ensure that students from low-income families have access to quality education until the end of their schooling.
The PIP assistance is particularly focused on students in their final year of schooling: 6th grade of elementary school (SD), 9th grade of junior high school (SMP), 12th grade of senior high school (SMA), and the final year of vocational high school (SMK). The government has partnered with banks such as BRI, BNI, and BSI to facilitate the disbursement of these funds.
Eligible students include 938,160 from elementary schools, 911,000 from junior high schools, 399,260 from senior high schools, and 442,698 from vocational high schools. The assistance amounts are set at Rp225,000 per year for elementary students, Rp375,000 per year for junior high students, and Rp900,000 per year for senior and vocational high school students.
Parents of eligible students are encouraged to prepare the necessary documentation, such as bank books and ATM cards, to ensure that they can easily access this financial support. The government’s commitment to education through these initiatives reflects a broader strategy to uplift communities and enhance educational outcomes across the nation.
As the distribution of these educational aids begins, it serves as a beacon of hope for many families striving to provide their children with a brighter future through education. The government's efforts are not only about financial assistance but also about fostering a culture of learning and growth that aligns with local needs and opportunities.
In summary, the combined efforts of the NTT Provincial Government and the national government through PIP highlight a concerted push towards improving educational access and quality in Indonesia, particularly in regions like East Sumba where such support is crucial.
