BANGKA -- PT Timah Tbk has once again awarded high school scholarships to 36 students who passed the selection for the Pemali Boarding School program at SMAN 1 Pemali for the 2025/2026 academic year.
These students come from various provinces within the company’s operational areas, such as the Bangka Belitung Islands, Riau Islands, and Riau Province. The handover of the selected students took place last week.
All recipients of the Pemali Boarding School scholarship are selected students who successfully passed a series of tests, including administrative screening, medical exams, psychological tests, academic potential assessments, and field surveys.
Coming from different backgrounds and remote areas, the scholarship recipients share a common spirit to study and pursue a better future.
One of them is Sarah Syazana Aghina, a student from Kundur, Riau Islands. At just 15 years old, Sarah bravely traveled alone to Bangka Island to begin her studies at Pemali Boarding School. Without being accompanied by her parents, she left her hometown in pursuit of her dreams.
“When I first learned about this program, I really hoped to be accepted so I could receive a quality education and prove to my parents that I could be independent. I was willing to be away from my family and friends to achieve my dreams,” said Sarah.
With teary eyes, Sarah expressed her gratitude to PT Timah for giving her the opportunity to access free and quality education.
“Alhamdulillah, I can go to school for free with a great quality of education. I’m very thankful to PT Timah for giving me this opportunity to receive the Pemali Boarding School scholarship,” she said.
Behind the spirit of the scholarship recipients lies the role of the school that will become their second home for the next three years. SMAN 1 Pemali, as the official partner of the Pemali Boarding School program, holds a major responsibility in guiding these students throughout their academic journey.
The principal of SMAN 1 Pemali, Eflina, expressed her appreciation and support for the students who came from various operational areas of PT Timah.
“These children come from many regions and have an incredible spirit. I had the chance to meet them and gave my full support for their studies at SMAN 1 Pemali,” she said.
According to Eflina, students in the Pemali Boarding School program tend to have a different character from the rest of the school’s student body.
“I believe these scholarship students have slightly different characteristics. Perhaps it’s because they’re shaped by character and leadership training in the dormitory. They become more courageous, confident, and have the mentality of a leader,” she explained.
The Pemali Boarding School scholarship program has been running for more than two decades. It provides full scholarships and applies a boarding school system that focuses on shaping students' character, discipline, and leadership skills.
Through this program, PT Timah remains committed to improving the quality of human resources in mining-adjacent communities, preparing them to become the future leaders. (*)
