The Nias Islands are given priority within the framework of North Sumatra’s free education program
The Vice Governor of North Sumatra, Surya, emphasized that education is a crucial factor for improving general well-being and raising the status of underdeveloped regions.
Therefore, the Nias Islands are a priority area for the implementation of the flagship free education program (PUBG).
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Surya made this statement during a visit to State Vocational School (SMKN) 1 Teluk Dalam in the South Nias district. During the visit, Surya spoke with the director, teachers, and students, and saw firsthand how the free education program is being implemented on the Nias Islands.
Surya stated that thanks to the PUBG, secondary school students, vocational school students, and students with special needs on the Nias Islands no longer have to pay school fees. The Nias Islands are the first region to make use of this program.
“Regarding free education, this is the commitment of the Governor of North Sumatra, Bobby Nasution. We want North Sumatra to offer free education at all levels: from secondary school to vocational education and special education,” said Surya, accompanied by Titiek Sugiharti, a staff member of the North Sumatran Family Welfare Movement (PKK).
According to Surya, education is a crucial indicator for the improvement of the situation in disadvantaged areas. Therefore, improving the quality of education is a priority for the Governor and Deputy Governor of North Sumatra.
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“Education is a mandatory service and an indicator that must be improved to promote general well-being. We must all do this together,” said Surya.
In his speech to the students, Surya also advised them not to forget the contributions of their teachers, even after completing their education. He emphasized that there is no such thing as a ‘former teacher,’ because the bond between teachers and students lasts a lifetime.
“Dear children, when you graduate, complete your education, start working, work hard, and achieve success, do not forget your teachers. Never say that you are an ex-teacher, never,” said Surya.
The principal of SMKN 1 Teluk Dalam, Theresia Junita Halawa, stated that the benefits of the PUBG program, launched by the Governor of North Sumatra, Bobby Nasution, are immediately noticeable to the students. The program has eased the burden on parents, as students no longer have to pay school fees.
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“The governor’s flagship program, PUBG, is the waiving of school fees. This year, the Nias Islands, and specifically SMKN 1 Teluk Dalam, have also implemented this program. This program is absolutely very beneficial for our children, because there are no more school fees. Our children’s education is therefore completely free,” said Junita.
Also present at the event were the Regent of South Nias, Sokhiatolo Laia, and several heads of regional government agencies (OPDs) from the province of North Sumatra, who accompanied Vice Governor Surya. ***rel
Kepulauan Nias Jadi Prioritas Sumatera Utara Wujudkan Program Sekolah Gratis
Wakil Gubernur (Wagub) Sumatera Utara (Sumut) Surya menegaskan pendidikan menjadi salah satu kunci utama dalam meningkatkan kesejahteraan masyarakat dan mengangkat status daerah tertinggal.
Oleh karena itu, Kepulauan Nias menjadi wilayah prioritas dalam pelaksanaan Program Unggulan Bersekolah Gratis (PUBG).
Hal tersebut disampaikan Surya saat mengunjungi Sekolah Menengah Kejuruan Negeri (SMKN) 1 Teluk Dalam, Kabupaten Nias Selatan. Dalam kunjungan tersebut, Surya berdialog dengan kepala sekolah, guru, dan para siswa sekaligus melihat langsung pelaksanaan program pendidikan gratis di Kepulauan Nias.
Surya mengatakan, melalui PUBG, siswa SMA, SMK, dan SLB di Kepulauan Nias tidak lagi dibebani pungutan pendidikan. Untuk tahap awal, Kepulauan Nias menjadi wilayah pertama yang mendapatkan program tersebut.
“Tentang pendidikan gratis, ini adalah tekad dari Bapak Gubernur Sumatera Utara Bobby Nasution, kita mau Sumut itu tingkat SMA, SMK, SLB itu harus pendidikannya gratis,” kata Surya, didampingi Staf Ahli I PKK Sumut Titiek Sugiharti.
Menurut Surya, pendidikan merupakan salah satu indikator penting dalam meningkatkan status daerah tertinggal. Karena itu, peningkatan kualitas pendidikan menjadi salah satu prioritas Gubernur dan Wakil Gubernur Sumut.
“Pendidikan adalah pelayanan wajib, pendidikan adalah salah satu indikator yang harus ditingkatkan untuk memajukan kesejahteraan masyarakat, inilah yang harus sama-sama kita lakukan,” kata Surya.
Di hadapan para pelajar, Surya juga berpesan agar mereka tidak melupakan jasa guru setelah menyelesaikan pendidikan. Ia menegaskan, tidak ada istilah bekas guru karena hubungan guru dan murid akan terus melekat sepanjang kehidupan.
“Anak-anakku sekalian, yang saya sayangi, kalau nanti sudah lulus, tamat, kalian bekerja, berusaha, sukses, ingat kepada guru kalian, jangan pernah kalian katakan itu bekas guru, jangan pernah,” kata Surya.
Kepala SMKN 1 Teluk Dalam Theresia Junita Halawa mengatakan, manfaat PUBG yang digulirkan Gubernur Sumut Bobby Nasution telah dirasakan langsung para pelajar. Program tersebut meringankan beban orang tua karena siswa tidak lagi dibebani biaya SPP.
“Program unggulan Pak Gubernur tentang PUBG pembebasan SPP untuk sekolah, tahun ini untuk Kepulauan Nias terkhusus SMKN 1 Teluk Dalam juga sudah, tentu program ini sangat bermanfaat kepada anak kita, karena tidak ada lagi pungutan SPP. Jadi anak kita 100 persen gratis,” kata Junita.
Turut hadir dalam kesempatan tersebut Bupati Nias Selatan Sokhiatulo Laia dan sejumlah pimpinan OPD Pemprov Sumut yang mendampingi Wagub Surya. ***relOB2
