Indramayu’s Non-Formal Education (PNF) Division Encourages Entrepreneurship in Community Learning Centers (PKBM) Through Reang Belajar
By: Dr. Ali Aminulloh, S.Ag., M.Pd.I., ME. (Lecturer at IAI ALAZIS and Head of PKBM Al Zaytun)
Wednesday, August 6, 2025, was a special day for Indramayu Regency. Under the auspices of the Non-Formal Education (PNF) Division of the Education Office, a major event titled “Optimizing the Quality of Equivalency Education” was held in the courtyard of the Indramayu Education Office. This moment marked the launch of the “Indramayu Belajar” program through an innovation called “Reang Belajar.” This event, more than just a ceremony, was a declaration that learning never ends and, more importantly, serves as a gateway to community economic independence.
Elevating the Status of Community Learning through Entrepreneurship
For the PNF Division, this event is not just about equivalency education. According to the Head of the PNF Division, Hj. Emilia Kusnandar, S.Pd. M.M., familiarly known as Bunda Emil, said this activity also aims to make Community Learning Centers (PKBM) entrepreneurs. Forty-three PKBMs participated in the entrepreneurship exhibition, showcasing various creative products created by Community Learning Centers.
Bunda Emil explained that her office had specifically invited the Department of Cooperatives, Trade, and Industry to attend. She hoped that the community learning entrepreneurs would receive support to advance their businesses. “I’m grateful that the Regent is also willing to endorse the community learning community’s products,” Bunda Emil said enthusiastically. She hoped that new entrepreneurs would emerge, so that PKBM would not only improve the education index but also the economic index.
Furthermore, Bunda Emil also highlighted the importance of a healthy lifestyle. She specifically asked the Community Learning Centers of Al Zaytun to perform SKJ (Joint Dance) exercises on the stage of honor. “This is to inspire all visitors to adopt a healthy lifestyle,” she said. Thus, she said, PKBM successfully improved three elements of the Human Development Index (HDI): education, economics, and health.
100 New Learners in Each Village Movement
The Head of the Indramayu Education Office, Dr. H. Caridin, S.Pd., M.Si., in his opening remarks explained that the average length of education for Indramayu residents has only reached 6.96 years. This is a major challenge for the Education Office. This year, they will push to reach an average of 7.5 years. This effort is being carried out through a learning movement in collaboration with villages. “Each village will recruit at least 100 new learners from communities who have not yet had the opportunity to attend formal school,” explained the Head of the Department.
Synergy and Appreciation from the Number One Person
The event was officially opened by the Regent of Indramayu, Lucky Hakim, who arrived to the sound of traditional music and the cheerful cheer of early childhood education (PAUD) students. The Regent’s presence emphasized the regional government’s commitment to developing education programs that reach all levels of society.
In his remarks, Lucky Hakim encouraged all levels of government, from relevant agencies to village officials, to collaborate. He emphasized that learning is not always synonymous with school. School is indeed the most comfortable place to learn, but the true essence lies in the willingness to continue learning. The Regent referred to education activists as “investors” in the future, as human resource development requires time and collaboration is key.
Following his remarks, Regent Lucky Hakim released balloons into the air to symbolize the start of the “Indramayu Belajar” program. He then toured the exhibition booth and engaged in dialogue with the learners. At the Al Zaytun Community Service Center (PKBM) booth, various local products such as wingko, Jackfruit sticks and banana chips were neatly lined up. Regent Lucky even enthusiastically endorsed these products, demonstrating his support for community-run micro-enterprises. The most touching moment was when he spoke with a 70-year-old Community Learning Community (Welcome Student) and encouraged him to never stop learning.
Inspiring Pioneers
Mother Emil expressed special appreciation to the Al Zaytun Community Learning Center (PKBM), which she called a pioneer and inspiration for other PKBM in Indramayu. Their existence is living proof that learning can change lives, regardless of age.
Epilogue: Learning Is the Key to Independence
Behind the lively atmosphere of this event, an important message lurked: that learning is the key to independence. It’s not just about pursuing a diploma, but also about shaping character, building skills, and opening up economic opportunities.
With this “Reang Belajar” program, Indramayu is investing not only in improving education but also in the economic future of the community. Collaboration between the government, education activists, and the community is the key to creating strong entrepreneurs ready to improve the well-being of families and region.
Let us continue to ignite the spirit of learning, because in every persistent effort, there is new hope waiting to be realized.**
Indramayu, 7 August 2025
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