Enhanced English Teacher Competency Develops Globally Competitive Young Generation
Teachers are the vanguard of human resources in the education sector. For this reason, enhancing teacher competency, particularly English language teachers, is a crucial step in developing a globally competitive young generation on the international stage.
“Especially in this era, English is essential and this presents a challenge for educators to ensure children can speak English well and can go international. Hopefully this programme has a tangible impact on teachers and becomes a blessing for education in Daranante (Sanggau Regency),” said Sanggau Deputy Regent Susana Herpena during the closing of the Needs Analysis-based Mentoring (NAM) Pilot Programme in Sanggau Regency, West Kalimantan.
She also appreciated international support from the University of New England Australia, the Education Fund Management Agency (LPDP) through the Ministry of Education, Culture, Research and Technology, and Angela Asri Purnamasari, a student at the School of Education University of New England, together with Principal Supervisor Prof Joshua Matthews who shared knowledge with 28 English teachers in Sanggau over more than one month through five meetings. “We are always ready to receive positive programmes to educate the nation’s children towards Indonesia’s Golden 2045, especially in Daranante,” said Susana.
Previously, the NAM programme was presented by lecturer and academic Angela Asri Purnamasari from Indonesian Christian University (UKI) Jakarta through English language training for teachers in Sanggau. The programme was not only an important part of her doctoral research at the School of Education University of New England, but also a meaningful learning journey involving collaboration and service to improve the quality of education in Indonesia, particularly English language education.
Together with Principal Supervisor Prof Joshua Matthews, Angela implemented the programme for 28 selected English teachers from Sanggau assisted by seven other mentors from UKI Jakarta, Atma Jaya University Jakarta, Sanata Dharma University Yogyakarta, and Christian Satya Wacana University Salatiga, every Saturday from 24 January to 21 February 2026, facilitated by the Tax Office and the Education Office of Sanggau Regency.
“I am very moved and grateful. I never imagined we could successfully implement and complete the NAM Pilot Programme together,” said Angela.
The UKI Jakarta lecturer expressed gratitude to Sanggau Regent Yohanes Ontot, Deputy Regent Susana Herpena, Head of the Sanggau Regional Revenue Agency Wellem Suherman, and Head of Sanggau Education Office Alipius, who supported the Pilot Mentoring programme.
She hopes this collaboration continues and strengthens partnerships among local government, higher education institutions, and schools, thereby bringing sustainable impact to teachers, students, and the future of Indonesian education.
This alumna of Sugiyopranoto Junior Secondary School and Sanggau State Senior Secondary School 1 emphasised that teachers are the heart of the programme. Therefore, openness to learning, self-reflection, growth, and collaboration demonstrate a deep commitment to educating students and shaping the future of education in Sanggau Regency.
“English language teachers are not merely participants in a research study, but also pioneers of a sustainable professional development movement,” she concluded.