TALISAYAN – PT Teladan Prima Agro Tbk, also known as TPA, is actively supporting the world of education in the East Kalimantan region, the company’s operational area. Education is one of the Social and Environmental Responsibility (SER) programs of TPA, as an agriculture company that actively participates and contributes to the field of education.
Ahmad Harmain Lubis, the Head of the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Section at TPA, emphasized that education plays a crucial role in improving the welfare of society. Besides building knowledge and enhancing competencies, education also plays a significant role in shaping a person’s character. Recognizing the importance of education, TPA provides support in facilities and infrastructure assistance to schools in its operational area, especially those in Zone 1.
There are several educational programs under the SER, including scholarship programs for students pursuing their education, programs aimed at improving the welfare of teachers through monthly honorariums, and other aid such as whiteboards, desks, chairs, and learning materials both inside and outside the classrooms, as well as writing materials.
The scholarship provided, known as the “Tuition Assistance Program,” involves transferring funds directly to each student at the beginning of the semester to alleviate their financial burden in paying for their education. The recipients are selected from Zone 1 villages and must demonstrate financial need with a recommendation from the local village authorities.
These students pursue their education in various universities and schools in East Kalimantan, such as Universitas Mulawarman, Universitas Muhammadiyah Kalimantan Timur, STT MIGAS Balikpapan, UIN Sultan Aji Muhammad Idris, Politeknik Pertanian Negeri Samarinda, STIPER Kutai Timur, STIT Ibnu Rusyd Paser, STIE Muhammadiyah Tanjung Redeb, STIKES Mutiara Mahakam Samarinda, Universitas Tujuh Belas Agustus Samarinda, and Universitas Widyagama Samarinda. Many students also pursue higher education on Java Island at universities such as Universitas Gajah Mada Yogyakarta, STIKES IKIFA Jakarta, Universitas Islam Blitar, Universitas Alma Ata Yogyakarta, Universitas An-Nuur Purwodadi, Universitas Ahmad Dahlan Yogyakarta, STIKES Surya Global Yogyakarta, Institut Agama Islam Banten, Universitas PGRI Yogyakarta, and Universitas Aisiyah Yogyakarta.
On the other hand, the well-being of educators is also a crucial aspect of education. Being a teacher in remote and underserved areas requires resilience. Acknowledging the challenges teachers face due to limited income, TPA is committed to maintaining teachers’ spirits by providing additional honorariums, ensuring that the learning process in schools can run smoothly. The well-being of teachers undoubtedly impacts the quality of education.
“In addition to supporting education in the surrounding areas or zone 1 villages, TPA also provides transportation assistance for students who need to travel outside their villages to regional capitals, where the distance is relatively far, and the road conditions may not be smooth like in urban areas. Furthermore, TPA also provides regular heavy equipment assistance to maintain road conditions, which helps facilitate the community’s activities, including students. Through these SER programs, it is hoped that TPA can make a tangible contribution to support and enhance the quality of education in the operational area,” said Harmain when interviewed by the Corporate Communication team of TPA some time ago.
