PANGKALPINANG – The Pemali Boarding School Program is PT Timah’s concrete initiative to support the improvement of human resources in the education sector. Since its launch in 2000, the program has produced 851 alumni.
The educational scholarship program is part of PT Timah’s long-term commitment to developing highly competitive and excellent human resources.
Pemali Boarding School is a high school scholarship program where students attend SMAN 1 Pemali while residing in dormitories provided by PT Timah.
This educational scholarship targets outstanding students from low-income families in PT Timah’s operational areas. The program also aims to reduce school dropout rates.
Scholarship recipients come from Bangka Belitung Province, Karimun Regency (Riau Islands Province), and Meranti Regency (Riau Province). Many alumni have now pursued careers in various professional fields.
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The Pemali Boarding School program is designed to develop academic skills while also fostering soft skills such as communication, teamwork, and leadership. This ensures that graduates become adaptable individuals capable of working effectively in different situations.
Through various training sessions and mentoring programs, PT Timah aims to nurture future leaders with resilience and integrity.
Head of the Bangka Belitung Provincial Education Office, Ervawi, acknowledged the Pemali Boarding School as a tangible step by PT Timah in enhancing human resources.
"This program is a real commitment from PT Timah to develop human resources. It is carried out consistently with clear stages. The benefits have been felt by many and have contributed to improving education quality," he said.
He further emphasized that the scholarship program is well-targeted, particularly for students from low-income families, and does not solely focus on academics.
“The program follows a well-structured step-by-step process, from PPDB recruitment, selection, verification, and validation, to providing school facilities, housing, and living expenses. Some students even receive assistance for higher education. This program has clear achievements and has proven to be beneficial,” he added.
Ervawi also highlighted PT Timah’s collaboration with the Bangka Belitung Education Office in enhancing education quality, including support for infrastructure, teacher competency training, and other initiatives.
“We hope this program continues, as it can help more students and further improve education quality,” he said.
Similarly, the Principal of SMAN 1 Pemali, Eflina, explained that besides academic excellence, prospective Pemali Boarding School students must have a strong motivation to learn and compete.
"High motivation to learn is a key requirement for applicants. With strong motivation, students can develop a positive competitive spirit," she stated.
The program does not only focus on academics but also encourages students to explore science, sports, and the arts.
Through mentoring and training, PT Timah ensures scholarship recipients grow into responsible leaders and entrepreneurs with integrity.
"PT Timah provides mentoring and training in collaboration with educational institutions, especially when students prepare for competitions such as the Science Olympiad and LP2SN at the provincial level. Thanks to their high motivation, many students have achieved championship titles," she said.
Lina hopes that PT Timah’s CSR initiatives will continue supporting this scholarship program as part of its commitment to improving human resources in Bangka Belitung.
"PT Timah has shown a strong commitment to enhancing human resources in Bangka Belitung, and we hope they will continue this scholarship program to support education in the region."
Ajib Fajar Sepdiana, an alumnus of the Pemali Boarding School, shared how the program paved the way for his education at the Institute of Public Administration (IPDN).
Originally from Manggar, East Belitung, Ajib described the program as a life-changing opportunity for high-achieving students from underprivileged backgrounds.
"This program is the answer for students who excel academically but face financial difficulties. It is highly beneficial and well-targeted—I experienced it myself," said Ajib, who now works at the East Belitung Regency Inspectorate.
He emphasized that the boarding school system created a strong learning ecosystem for students, fostering both academic and personal growth.
"The learning environment was very supportive. The dormitory setup encouraged us to help each other, focus on studies, and stay motivated. Senior students set great examples. I was inspired to enter IPDN because of my seniors," he recalled.
Ajib hopes the Pemali Boarding School Program will continue, enabling more students to benefit and contribute to improving human resources.
"I sincerely hope this program continues because it can be a stepping stone to success. Thank you, PT Timah, for this invaluable initiative. I owe much of my journey to the support I received from this program," he concluded.(*)
