Bontang's SPNF SKB Graduates First Cohort of 68 from Free Non-Formal Education Programme

A total of 68 students from the Non-Formal Education Unit, Sanggar Kegiatan Belajar (SPNF SKB) Bontang, officially graduated for the 2025/2026 academic year. The farewell ceremony, themed ‘Weaving Memories, Strengthening Universal Participation for Quality Education’, was held at the 3 Dimensi Auditorium in North Bontang on Monday. The event was attended by the Secretary of Commission A of the Bontang City Regional People’s Representative Council, Saiful Rizal, the Chair of the North Bontang Early Childhood Education Task Force, educators, parents, and learners from various educational levels.

Acting Head of SPNF SKB Bontang, Hairul Sholeh, stated that this year’s graduates came from several non-formal education programmes. The cohort comprised eight graduates from Package A, 17 from Package B, and 31 from Package C. The academic year also marked the first cohort for the Sejenis Early Childhood Education Unit with 12 students. He noted that one of the unique aspects of equivalency education is the diversity in learners’ ages; this year, the oldest participants were 45 years old in Package A, 51 in Package B, and 52 in Package C. ‘This fact shows that education is everyone’s right. It is never too late to learn and improve one’s future,’ he said.

Sholeh explained that SPNF SKB serves as a solution for residents who have not had the opportunity to complete formal education due to economic factors, employment, or other social conditions. Consequently, all educational services provided to learners are free of charge. He hopes that the existence of equivalency education will become more widely known among the public, as it plays a crucial role in improving human resource quality and supporting the increase in Bontang City’s Human Development Index. ‘Many people are still unaware that there is a free education service up to the equivalent of senior high school. We hope all parties will help to socialise this programme,’ he added.

SPNF SKB Bontang has achieved various accolades at the provincial and international levels, with several alumni having built careers in various fields, including as members of the Indonesian National Armed Forces and civil servants. This year’s farewell event was the first of its kind organised since the institution’s establishment, intended as a form of appreciation for the learners’ perseverance in completing their education amidst various life challenges.

Lukman, Expert Staff for Development, Community, and Human Resources, affirmed that the learners’ experiences and struggles are part of building a better future. He stressed that improving the quality of education cannot be done by the government and educational institutions alone, requiring support from all elements of society. He expressed appreciation for the tutors and teaching staff and pride for adult learners who remained committed to studying while working or caring for families. The Bontang City Government intends to continue supporting education that is inclusive and open to all levels of society.