By Ari Soebekti, District Lead, Inonesia
On October 22, teachers and school principals from across Nunbena Subdistrict gathered for a teacher network meeting (KKG) at SDI Nefolila. Getting there was no small feat. The journey wound through rocky paths, steep climbs, and sharp descents. Some rode their motorbikes slowly uphill, while others held on tight as they bumped down rough trails.
Nunbena is part of Timor Tengah Selatan Regency, one of Indonesia’s frontier, outermost, and least developed regions, what’s often called a 3T area. Roads are rough, electricity is scarce, and many villages still rely on solar panels or generators. The phone signal flickers in and out. Yet, in this place where access is hard, the will to learn burns bright.
When everyone finally arrived at SDI Nefolila, the simple schoolyard came alive. Laughter filled the air as old friends greeted each other, trading stories from their classrooms. The exhaustion from the long road seemed to vanish, replaced by warmth and shared purpose.
Among them was Mr. Absolom Olla, a respected school principal and head of the local K3S (School Principals’ Working Group). Nine years ago, he received the National Exemplary Teacher Award from the President of Indonesia. Now nearing retirement, Mr. Absolom remains as passionate as ever. The day before the meeting, he had already arrived and spent the night at the school to make sure everything would run smoothly.
For him, gatherings like this are more than just a routine. They are part of a larger calling — a commitment to help teachers and school leaders in Nunbena keep learning and growing. “I feel this is a calling to serve the children of our nation, especially in the 3T areas,” he said. Even the preparations weren’t easy. Poor internet connections made it hard for him to run simulations of his materials. But he didn’t give up. With quiet determination, he practiced over and over until he was ready to guide the session with confidence.
That day, he wasn’t alone. Mr. Yefta, a facilitator from a neighboring subdistrict, traveled 55 kilometers on similarly rough roads just to help. For him, the journey was never a burden. Each time he facilitated, he said, he learned something new about the craft of teaching, about his peers, and about himself. He believes that every teacher, no matter where they work, deserves the same chance to grow and be supported. The session itself was simple, but full of meaning. School principals and teachers discussed classroom strategies, shared challenges, and reflected on how to create schools where teachers feel safe, valued, and motivated to give their best.
As the sun began to set behind the hills, the meeting drew to a close. Gratitude filled the air. One teacher, Mr Amon Melkisedek smiled and spoke closing statement in the local language:
“Masih nak lalan ma noel susal ma ne, at tetap haim meup mihel he mifena pah ma nifu Nunbena,” which means, “Even though our conditions are challenging, we in Nunbena will not fall behind others. This is who we are — Nunbena.”
As evening fell, some teachers set off for home, their motorbike headlights flickering along the narrow road. Others chose to stay the night, knowing the path would be too dangerous in the dark. They carried home more than just new knowledge. They carried renewed spirit and the determination to keep learning, the courage to lead, and the hope to make a difference for their students.
That day, in a place far from electricity and phone signals, Nunbena shone the brightest, lit not by lamps or screens, but by the enduring light of those who never stop learning.
