BANGKA — The Pemali Boarding School Scholarship Program has been running for more than two decades as part of PT Timah's commitment to improving the quality of human resources.
This program aligns with the Asta Cita (Eight Aspirations) of the President and Vice President of the Republic of Indonesia, particularly in strengthening human resource development, science, technology, and education.
Through the Pemali Boarding School program, PT Timah provides educational funding for students attending SMAN 1 Pemali, along with dormitory accommodation, daily necessities, and other supporting facilities to enhance the students' learning experience.
The Pemali Boarding School accommodates students from various regions in the Bangka Belitung Islands Province, Riau, and the Riau Islands, encouraging them to be brave in facing the challenges of leaving their hometowns in pursuit of big dreams.
Muhammad Rival Alabrasi, one of the students from the Meranti Islands Regency, shared his experience after spending a year away from his parents to study at the Pemali Boarding School.
“When I found out I was accepted, I was so happy, especially because it had always been my dream to study outside of Riau. At first, it was tough emotionally since I was used to living with my parents, having someone to scold me and give advice. But Alhamdulillah, that was a necessary step for me to become more disciplined,” he said.
Though it was difficult at the beginning, the supportive environment at Pemali Boarding School helped him feel comfortable and more motivated to pursue his goals.
“In the beginning, we weren’t allowed to use our phones, so I was often wondering how my parents were doing. But the environment here is comfortable. Sometimes, we confide in our friends when we miss our families. The facilities here are also very supportive, and that keeps us motivated to study,” he added.
Beyond the dorm life, Rival was also fascinated by the rich and diverse culture of the Bangka Belitung Islands, which he had never encountered in Riau.
“Here, they have something called Nganggung—we don’t have that in Riau. I was impressed because I got to learn about the local traditions of Bangka Belitung, which are very different from what I’ve known in Riau,” he said.
“I personally really want to make my hometown, the Meranti Islands, proud by achieving as much as I can,” he added.
Rival hopes that the Pemali Boarding School program will continue so more students can benefit from its positive impact, both individually and for the wider community.
“I hope this program continues, because it’s incredibly beneficial for underprivileged students like me. May PT Timah continue to grow, thrive, and always support the communities around it,” he said.(*)
