ExxonMobil Indonesia Strengthens STEM Education at 'People's Schools'
Enthusiasm and eagerness amongst students were evident at People’s Secondary School (Sekolah Rakyat Menengah Atas/SRMA) 10 Margaguna in South Jakarta on Wednesday, 11 March, when Senior Vice President and Executive Committee Member of Exxon Mobil Corporation Jack Williams and ExxonMobil Indonesia President Wade Floyd attended the kick-off event for a STEM-based education programme.
The programme marks the beginning of a new phase for the school in exploring robotics and coding through STEM education. SRMA 10 Margaguna headmaster Ratu Mulyanengsih expressed deep appreciation for ExxonMobil Indonesia’s tangible support, stating: “We are very grateful for this support. We hope that through this assistance, SRMA 10 can build a strong STEM-based curriculum and educational foundation to educate children to have the critical thinking and creativity needed in the future.”
Through a partnership with Prestasi Junior Indonesia, ExxonMobil Indonesia is delivering a STEM curriculum packaged through project-based activities across three People’s Schools. The objective is straightforward: to ignite students’ curiosity so they are encouraged to dream of pursuing further studies and careers in science and technology.
STEM education is a crucial key to unlocking innovation and preparing future generations. Progress can only be achieved through a strong educational foundation. By involving educators and local communities, this initiative encourages the creation of a learning environment where science, technology, engineering, and mathematics are no longer viewed as difficult fields but as primary drivers of national development. This effort also represents support for young Indonesians to be ready to compete and lead in global industry.
Ultimately, this step aligns with the broader vision of the Asta Cita promoted by President Prabowo Subianto in advancing inclusive, quality education. By expanding access to modern knowledge equitably, the programme helps ensure that every sector of society has equal opportunities to develop. The hope is that from classrooms in People’s Schools will emerge an outstanding generation that leads Indonesia towards a more resilient and innovative future.
Vice Chairman of the People’s Consultative Assembly (MPR RI) Lestari Moerdijat emphasised the importance of expanding women’s participation in STEM as a strategy to increase innovation, competitiveness, and Indonesia’s human resource development. Educational institutions have an important role in creating discrimination-free learning environments whilst providing role models for students, particularly young women.
President Prabowo Subianto has emphasised the government’s commitment to the future of Indonesian children, exploring STEM and medical cooperation with 24 leading British universities to strengthen higher education and medical personnel. These activities are grounded in the mandate of Article 31 of the 1945 Constitution regarding citizens’ right to education and the spirit of Presidential Instruction No. 120 of 2025 issued by President Prabowo.
Government officials have stressed that the People’s School initiative serves as a golden bridge for education among vulnerable families, with programmes such as free schooling already benefiting over 60,000 students across 801 private schools in Banten province.