“My name is Nadiem,” Education, Culture, Research and Technology Minister Nadiem Anwar Makariem said by way of introduction when meeting a community at Bunga Kembang Teaching Learning Activity Center (PKBM), Sarolangun regency, Jambi province.

Wearing a T-Shirt bearing the  slogan “Merdeka Belajar” (Independent Learning), Minister Nadiem greeted children of suku anak dalam (the forest people), parents, teachers, members of the Indonesian Conservation Community, Warsi and representatives of Sarolangan regency. “I am wearing this “Merdeka Belajar” T-Shirt because we at the education ministry believe there are diverse forms of education. That’s why learning should be independent,” said Minister Nadiem at Bunga Kembang PKBM on Tuesday.

Nadiem explained further that every region had its own characteristics. “We have to provide suitable education. That’s why I have come here to understand what is and what is not needed by the people who still hold on to local wisdoms,” Nadiem said.

Bunga Kembang PKBM chairman Maknun explained that local children still faced difficult access to formal education, which had prompted the PKBM to provide an alternative curriculum. “For example, the orang Rimba live by selling resin, honey and rattan. And yet, when entering into a transaction, the prices don’t correspond to what they have initially agreed and they feel they are deceived. So, we teach children counting,” said Maknun, adding that the suku anak dalam, who are semi-nomadic, leave many of their children at the PKBM.

Masita, a teacher and five other teachers, joined the dialog. “Certainly, we face many challenges, Mas Minister. But after six years of teaching here, we feel that we have loved [living here] and have a passion for being together with children,” said Masita who wants the children of the suku anak dalam to be great like their three older brothers who are currently pursuing higher education at the University of Jambi and at a university in Bogor.

The teacher confided that she often cooked and washed clothes for the children of the suku anak dalam to allow them to be fully engaged in learning. Concluding her confiding, Masita delivered a message to Minister Nadiem, “We ask Mas Minister to pray for us so that we are always passionate and so that the children of suku anak dalam can live equally with other peers. Who knows, they could even become a minister, too.”

In response to that, Minister Nadiem delivered a message, “Take what is useful from the curriculum that suits local wisdom. I really support teachers who can creatively determine what is best for their students.”

Prior to continuing a more intimate discussion with the teachers and children of the suku anak dalam in the house on stilts where he stayed the night, Nadiem wrapped up the meeting at the PKBM with encouraging messages.

“I’ll remember this learning experience for the rest of my life. To all brothers of the suku anak dalam who have succeeded in pursuing higher education, continue to inspire your younger brothers. It’s unnecessary for you to force them if they don’t want to [pursue higher education]. But go back home and tell your brothers about your experiences so as to broaden their horizons,” he said.

 “To all teachers who have devoted their lives to teaching in the hinterland, let me express my great appreciation for your dedication. Pray for us to continually raise the prosperity of you as teachers,” explained Minister Nadiem, revealing the ministry’s plan to provide a special program that would attract qualified teachers to teach in areas where teachers are desperately in need.

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