PT Bukit Asam Tbk : Bukit Asam Supports the National Movement for the Eradication of Illiteracy & Mathematics Illiteracy

PT Bukit Asam Tbk (PTBA), a member of the BUMN Mining Industry Holding MIND ID, participates in the National Movement for the Eradication of Mathematics Illiteracy (Gernas Tastaka) by supporting training program for elementary school/ Madrasah Ibtidaiyah (SD/MI) educators in Muara Enim Regency, South Sumatra.

PTBA in collaboration with Gernas Tastaka and NU Circle will facilitate the training of educators in the company's operational areas, with the main focus on Muara Enim, with the purpose to elevate their quality and competence on a global scale.

This program also involves and synergizes with the Regional Government of Muara Enim Regency through the Education Authority. The launching of Gernas Tastaka of PTBA, Muara Enim Regency Government, and NU Circle took place online on Friday (August 13, 2021) attended by about 246 participants, mostly SD/MI Muara Enim teachers.

PTBA allocates support for Gernas Tastaka in Muara Enim amounted to around IDR1 billion. There are four batches of Training of Trainers (ToT) with 40 participants each. Through improving the teachers' competence so that they can produce reliable generations who are able to compete globally in the future, this program helps the government eradicate math and literacy illiteracy in Indonesia as education is the key to alleviating poverty and creating a fair and prosperous society.

PTBA President Director Suryo Eko Hadianto explained that PTBA's participation in this movement is a manifestation of the implementation of its noble goals as a state-owned mining company and a member of the BUMN Mining Industry Holding MIND ID. The noble purpose is to explore natural resources for civilization, prosperity, and a brighter future.

'In addition, the main key of this movement is our deep concern about the low position of illiteracy and mathematics illiteracy. If no one cares, then nothing will change,' said Suryo Eko, at Gernas Tastaka launching event last Friday.

The training will be given first to 160 SD/MI teachers in Muara Enim. 'It is our collective obligation to improve the quality of our education to create superior generation; Future generation who is smart, sees opportunities, has critical, reason, contextual thinking to be able to develop themselves and the environment.'

Muara Enim Regent DR. H. Nasrun Umar really appreciates PTBA's concern for improving the competence of human resources in Muara Enim. 'Education is an investment, not just for the student, but also for the family, the environment, and even the homeland,' he said.

Chairman of NU Circle R Gatot Prio Utomo added that he also thanked the Regent of Muara Enim and PTBA who actively participated in this program. 'We must have the same awareness and determination for positive change and moving forward, believing that Gernas Tastaka will create more advanced generation.'

PTBA puts education as one of the focuses of the company's contributions to the environment and society. From 2020 to mid-2021, it is recorded that the company has distributed at least 5000 scholarships in the form of the Bidiksiba program, scholarships to Islamic students, and others. The Company also built and renovated 109 school buildings and 62 Islamic boarding schools.

PTBA believes that to support education, besides providing facilities and infrastructure, it is necessary to build the competencies of the human resources, especially the teachers who are the heroes and the keys in the development of this country.