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PNM sky-rockets free digital literacy for students with Ruang Pintar
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s part of a neew program, students in Garut, West Java, primarily in Desa Balewangi, Kecamatan Cisurupan, can enjoy free online learning facilities. PT Permodalan Nasional Madani (PNM) provides classrooms and amenities such as WiFi, laptops, book bundles and general teaching materials.
Teachers are also prepped to accompany the students throughout their learning journey with each class accommodating a minimum of 35 children.
The pandemic has caused a major routine shift in many sectors, including the education system, in which students and teachers have had to transition to remote learning. Because remote learning is conducted online, it is necessary to have working technology and wide internet access for teachers and students. Research from UNESCO showed that 1.5 billion children worldwide faced obstacles in accessing schooling due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and one of the 188 countries affected is Indonesia.
By the end of 2022, Indonesia’s Education, Culture, Research and Technology Ministry highlighted how 40 percent of the schools in Indonesia did not yet have access to the internet.
In their desire to address this situation, PNM developed Ruang Pintar.
Education is a crucial aspect of the PNM’s environmental and social responsibility (ESR) pillar, and collaborations with local governments and local communities can help find solutions to many problems. Ruang Pintar, or Smart Rooms, was created to help students who don’t have access to technology or the internet, ensuring that they can keep up with the evolving educational curriculum while learning through engaging and fun activities.
“Every month, we make sure to visit the location while also fostering connections with the local residents and children. We will have another meeting at the Ruang Pintar Cisurupan site [regarding the plan],” said Abu Hassan, the Branch Leader of PNM Garut. “Since its establishment four months ago, we have consistently checked and evaluated the program based on feedback and testimonies from the children and the community to ensure its sustainability.”
Reja, a student from Cisurupan, expressed his gratitude for the presence of Ruang Pintar.
“Previously, when I wanted to use the internet, I had to take turns with my neighbors, or pay at the internet cafe (warnet). Now, we can use the computer together, and I can have fun with my friends,” exclaimed the pleased student.
Apart from Garut, PNM has established 154 other Ruang Pintar across Indonesia. Ruang Pintar has already been around for two years, and PNM continues to conduct regular monitoring and evaluation to ensure this program brings continuity and becomes truly effective.
With the goal of advancing the nation, PNM remains committed to providing tangible solutions to the problems facing Indonesia.
