West Nusa Tenggara (NTB) province takes pride in the quality of the Early Childhood Education (PAUD). According to 2022 data from the Central Statistics Agency (BPS), the Gross Enrollment Rate (APK) of Children Attending PAUD in NTB is greater than the national average. NTB has a GER of 42.18, while the national GER is only 35.28.
PAUD plays an essential role in developing character and is now a focus of attention not only in Indonesia, but also in countries throughout Southeast Asia. In September, regional leaders formulated the declaration Early Childhood Care and Education in Southeast Asia calling for collaboration to strengthen partnerships and sustainable cooperation among governments and civil society, international organizations, academic institutions, and the private sector.
PT Amman Mineral Internasional Tbk (AMMAN) is one such private-sector company deeply involved in this collaboration to raise the quality of human resources in the region. As the largest copper-and -gold-mining company in NTB, AMMAN has conducted a number of Community Development and Empowerment (PPM) initiatives centered around their Batu Hijau mine in West Sumbawa (KSB).
Recently, AMMAN invited dozens of employees, business partners, parents, and local government representatives, working through an Employee Participation Program (EPP), to collaborate in conducting PAUD rehabilitation at a local pre-school, TK Negeri 1 Sekongkang.
The theme “Paving the Way for Better Learning” emphasizes AMMAN’s commitment to support early childhood development. In the spirit of gotong royong, the Indonesian tradition of mutual cooperation, learning-support facilities at TK Negeri 1 Sekongkang, such as water supplies and playground equipment, were improved and refurbished. The EPP initiative has conducted a number of rehabilitation activities in different locations, demonstrating the AMMAN commitment to long-term, sustainable improvement of human resources through self-starting initiatives and collaboration with fellow stakeholders.
In January 2023, AMMAN signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Cordova University in KSB to organize, develop, and provide training in support of the Catur Dharma Teacher Training program. Under the paradigm of equal partnership and mutual benefit, AMMAN supports the Independent Learning Program – Independent Campus (MBKM) and awarded scholarships to 200 KSB civil servants (ASN) taking extension courses at Cordova University. This initiative aims to build the skill sets of the government officials playing crucial roles in serving the community.
AMMAN also launched the D3 Scholarship program for 50 selected candidates from KSB and Sumbawa Regency, which aims to foster local talent and bridge the gap between education and industry needs. This collaboration with PINTAR, an online education facility, and AstraTech, a leading technical college, ensures that the curriculum aligns with the demands of the post-industrial economy, equipping students with the advanced skills necessary to thrive.
AMMAN believes that education is not just about producing graduates, but cultivating a new generation that has the knowledge and skills needed to thrive in the global post-industrial economy.
