Thursday, 03 September 2026
NIAS SELATAN | INDATANEWS.COM - North Sumatra Deputy Governor Surya emphasized that education is one of the key foundations for improving public welfare and advancing underdeveloped regions. For this reason, the North Sumatra Provincial Government has designated the Nias Islands as a priority area in the implementation of the "Bersekolah Gratis" (PUBG) free education program.
Surya made the statement during his visit to State Vocational High School (SMKN) 1 Teluk Dalam in Nias Selatan Regency on Wednesday, August 12, 2026. During the visit, Surya held discussions with the school administration, teachers and students. He also reviewed firsthand the implementation of the free education program across the Nias Islands.According to Surya, the initiative is part of the provincial government's commitment to expanding access to education while reducing the financial burden on residents. The government hopes the free education program will provide children in the Nias Islands with greater opportunities to obtain a proper education.
"As for free education, this is the firm commitment of Governor Bobby Nasution. We want education at SMA, SMK and SLB schools in North Sumatra to be free," said Surya, who was accompanied by Titiek Sugiharti, an expert with the North Sumatra PKK.Surya stressed that free education does not simply mean eliminating school fees. More broadly, the program is part of the government's efforts to improve the quality of human resources in North Sumatra, including the Nias Islands.
He also underscored the importance of equal educational opportunities for every child. In his view, a family's economic circumstances should not prevent students from continuing their education.
Surya said improving the quality of education is closely linked to efforts to improve the status of underdeveloped regions. The government must strengthen the education sector so that people acquire better skills and more qualified human resources capable of driving regional progress.
"Education is a mandatory public service. Education is one of the indicators that must be improved to promote the welfare of the people. We must do this together," Surya said.He said the government cannot improve the quality of education on its own. Schools, teachers, parents and students must share responsibility so that education programs can deliver the greatest possible benefits.
On the occasion, Surya also urged students to appreciate the contributions of their teachers. He asked the young people to remember their teachers even after completing their education and eventually achieving success in their careers.Surya emphasized that the relationship between teachers and students does not end when students leave school. He therefore reminded the students not to forget their teachers after graduation.
"My dear children, when you graduate later, get a job, start a business or become successful, remember your teachers. Never say that they are your former teachers, never," Surya said.The message also highlights the importance of character building alongside the development of academic skills. The government hopes students will grow not only into competent professionals but also into individuals who demonstrate respect and appreciate those who contributed to their education.
Junita explained that students at SMKN 1 Teluk Dalam are no longer required to pay tuition under the program. As a result, the financial burden on parents for their children's education has been significantly reduced.
"The governor's priority program to waive tuition fees, PUBG, is being implemented this year in the Nias Islands, particularly at SMKN 1 Teluk Dalam. This program is certainly very helpful for our children because they no longer have to pay tuition fees. This means our children's education is 100 percent free," Junita said.She described the tuition waiver as a major benefit for students' families. Parents can now use some of the funds previously allocated for tuition to meet other educational needs or general household expenses.
The implementation of the PUBG program in the Nias Islands also demonstrates the government's attention to the equitable distribution of educational opportunities. The North Sumatra Provincial Government is working to ensure that students in island regions have educational opportunities comparable to those available to students in other areas.The program is also part of the government's efforts to develop human resources in the regions. By making education more accessible and reducing school-related costs, the government hopes more children in the Nias Islands will complete their education and eventually contribute to the development of their region.
The visit by North Sumatra Deputy Governor Surya to SMKN 1 Teluk Dalam was also attended by Nias Selatan Regent Sokhiatulo Laia, along with several heads of agencies and organizational units within the North Sumatra Provincial Government.The North Sumatra Provincial Government hopes the "Bersekolah Gratis" program will continue to benefit the community. In addition to removing financial barriers to education, the program is expected to improve the quality of human resources and become one of the foundations for accelerating development across the Nias Islands. (IDNC)
REPORTER: Ahmad Zulfikar | EDITOR: Fik Sagala
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