VOI - Voice of Indonesia | RRI - Radio Republik Indonesia

Indonesia Mengajar held a Press Conference discussing education in Eastern Indonesia, Saturday (24/9/2022). During the conference, several speakers shared their experiences when they were involved in teaching children in Eastern Indonesia.

The chairman of the Indonesian Teaching Movement Foundation, Hikmat Hardono, said that this activity was aimed at discussing with each other about learning methods. Also exchange ideas and views on education in Eastern Indonesia.

"These speakers told facts, shared portraits of struggles in the regions. They invited all participants to jointly explore how our education really is in Eastern Indonesia," Hikmat said in his statement in Jakarta, Saturday (24/9/2022).

“This conference provides spaces for discussion and a closer look at education in the East. The space referred to is through the Policy Room, Culture and Education Room, Sustainable Impact Room, Initiative Room, and Interaction Room.

Hikmat said that this conference presented 62 views or insights related to education in Eastern Indonesia. These views are expected to be a solution to the problems of education in Eastern Indonesia.

This view comes from the grassroots, namely from academics, education movers, to cultural actors. These views are a portrait of education in eastern Indonesia during the 12 years of Indonesia Mengajar in the region.

One of the educators and a native of West Papua who was directly involved is Amos Atkana. Amos also appreciated the activities of Indonesia Mengajar which was supported by the Ministry of Education and Culture.

"I appreciate it, because here we all come together from various regions, especially in Eastern Indonesia. Why? Because those who come here are really those who are involved and directly involved (in education in the east)," said Amos.

Amos and his wife founded the Atmatu Learning House at his home located in Ibasuf Village, Aitinyo District, Maybrat Regency.

"My community is small in scale, I opened it in my village before but now it's widening. My last student is 140 people, from kindergarten to high school the teacher is myself, my wife and children who are in grade 2 of elementary school," said Amos.

Amos recounted the background that prompted him and his wife to establish the Learning House. He admitted that his wife was very excited about the abilities of elementary and junior high school children who had not memorized the anthem Indonesia Raya to the text of Pancasila.

"The story is that last year, my wife held a ceremony on August 17, when they sang Indonesia Raya, the 17s were not finished, Pancasila was also not finished. My wife became angry, who was already in junior high and in 6th grade," said Amos.

"Then since that time, my wife told them (the children) to come to our house to study. We are every Monday and Friday a week, Monday I teach general lessons. Friday special lessons about information technology (IT) computers, " he continued.

Currently, Atmatu Learning House only has 7 laptops available for 58 students, which they teach using the practical teaching method. The limited facilities did not dampen the good intentions of Amos and his wife to continue teaching.

They even regulate the use of the laptop alternately. "In the end, I divided the shifts. From 2 to 3 o'clock the elementary school group. 3-4 hours for junior high school students and 4-5 hours for high school students," he explained.

He also hopes that his students will get qualified facilities so that they can continue to learn about information technology (IT).

"These children will grow up with the availability of qualified facilities. Especially regarding information, technology through existing internet networks," he said. (RRI)