Sungai Batang Hamlet Difficult to Reach; Has No Public School
20 August 2017 10:50 WIB
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The name Sebatik Island which is part of Nunukan Regency region attracts more attention after visited by Villages, Disadvantaged Region and Transmigration Minister Eko Putro Sandjojo. This island has also broke the world record as it contributes the highest number of National Flag Hoisting members (Paskibraka) in 2017 Indonesian Independence Ceremony.
Nevertheless, this island has a lot of serious problems. One of such problems is the condition of education in Sungai Batang hamlet, Tanjung Karang Village, Sebatik Induk District, Nunukan Regency, North Kalimantan.
"There is no school. As a result, the children in that hamlet go to school to another village," North Kalimantan Defense Forum (FBN Kaltara) chair Wahyudi said on Saturday (19/8).
Such a condition makes students of Sungai Batang hamlet face a number of obstacles particularly to access their school located in Sungai Taiwan hamlet, Tanjung Karang Village, Sebatik Induk District.
"Land route cannot be accessed when rain pours. An alternative route by the coast cannot also be accessed when the tide comes in," Wahyudi explained.
"Due to the limited transportation access, students occasionally do not go to school and some even drop out."
There are around 50 families in Sungai Batang hamlet among which only one person has the first degree. In terms of achievement, a student from Sungai Batang hamlet was selected as Paskibraka member for 2016 Independence Ceremony in the Presidential Palace representing North Kalimantan.
Alarmed by the poor condition in Sungai Batang hamlet, FBN Kaltara established an early childhood education center (PAUD). A small house belonging to the local resident serves as the place for the center and the size is only 4x6 meters.
The problem is the building belongs to the local resident, so we cannot build a permanent building. "This is our effort to make the government notice and concerned," Wahyudi said.
SAPRI MAULANA