SEBATIK ISLAND (4 November 2023) - Sebatik Island in Nunukan Regency, North Kalimantan is included in the least developed, frontier, and outermost areas.  However, on this island, there are many Islamic boarding schools, so it is nicknamed "Santri Island".  One of the Islamic boarding schools in East Sebatik District, Alkhairat Islamic Boarding School, was one of the locations visited by Minister of Social Affairs Tri Rismaharini on Friday (3/11/2023).

Entering an area of ​​approximately one hectare, there is a mosque, two classrooms, and a dormitory for the students and clerics who teach there.  Syahril (14), one of the students at Al Akhairaat Islamic Boarding School expressed complaints about the lack of classrooms and facilities.  "We don't have enough classrooms because there are only two classes available," said Syahril when met at the Al Akhairaat Islamic Boarding School, on Friday (3/11/2023).

Apart from minimal classroom space, tables, and benches are also very limited.  Not all students can get tables and chairs while studying.  "Some of my friends, when studying, had to write on the floor," he said.

Syahril also complained about the dormitory facilities for the 24 students.  The dormitory, which is a simple two-story building, is not suitable for habitation.  The door is made of very thin boards, while the bed is not available.  To sleep, the students only lay on shabby mats.  Only a few students have thin mattresses.  To ward off the heat, the students rely heavily on fans.  "But most of the fans are damaged and cannot be used," said Syahril.

Because of this, said Syahril, the students were very grateful for the assistance given by Minister of Social Affairs Risma during her visit to Sebatik Island, on Friday (3/11/2023).  "Thank you, Minister, for giving us school uniforms, shoes, and computers.  "We are very happy to receive assistance from Minister of Social Affairs," said the 14-year-old child from Lapri Village, Sebatik Island.

As is known, on Friday (3/11/2023), Minister of Social Affairs Risma visited Al Khairaat Islamic Boarding School.  On that occasion, Minister Risma distributed uniforms and school supplies to 169 Islamic boarding school students and female students, as well as three computer units to support education at the Al Khairaat Islamic Boarding School.

Chairman of the Al Khairaat Regional Commissioner, Suniman Latasi, also expressed his gratitude for the assistance provided by Ministry of Social Affairs.  “We as foundation administrators are very grateful to the government.  "Our capabilities are very limited, so government assistance helps us in providing education," said Suniman.

Suniman said that since it was founded two years ago, the foundation has faced budget constraints, especially for the construction of learning activity rooms (RKB).  Public interest in enrolling their children in education is very high, but the foundation's budget is very limited.

Apart from the budget for building classrooms, the foundation also faces funding difficulties for providing learning facilities, dormitories, and building fences.  “Perhaps the total funding requirement is around IDR 5 billion.  "We are trying to fill it in stages," said Suniman.

Responding to these complaints, Minister Risma committed to following up on them, especially the construction of learning activity rooms at the Al Khairaat Islamic Boarding School.  “God willing, we have received the classroom proposal.  "And the procurement is being processed," explained Minister of Social Affairs.