NTT Governor emphasises the importance of strengthening character and entrepreneurship

Kupang (ANTARA) - East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) Governor Melki Laka Lena has emphasised the importance of strengthening character and entrepreneurial spirit within the education system in the region. “Education in NTT must be developed holistically, not only emphasising academic aspects but also character formation and the reinforcement of entrepreneurial spirit,” he said in Kupang on Tuesday. Melki conveyed this during a break while accompanying the Minister of Basic and Secondary Education (Mendikdasmen) Abdul Mu’ti on a working visit to Kupang City. He stated that children in NTT should not only be academically intelligent but also possess strong character and the courage to create opportunities through entrepreneurship. He also revealed that a number of high school and vocational school students in NTT have begun producing various innovative products, with some being directed towards industrial-scale development. “This is certainly a positive step to train children to be creative and innovative,” said Melki. Furthermore, he noted that the NTT Provincial Government is continuously reorganising the distribution of educators to ensure an even number of teachers between urban areas and remote regions. “Schools with excess teachers will be reorganised to help schools that are still short of educators. This is a concrete step we are taking together with district/city governments,” he explained. The Governor also announced that the NTT Provincial Government has just launched the Community Learning Hour Movement policy, which will take effect from 2 May 2026. Through this policy, the community is encouraged to create a learning atmosphere at home every day from 6:00 to 7:30 PM WITA, involving active roles from parents and the surrounding environment. “We want education not to stop at school. Home must become a warm learning space, and parents must be part of the children’s education process,” he concluded.