Bungo Regency, Jambi, August 9, 2026 – Distance Learning (PJJ) provides opportunities for out-of-school children (ATS) facing economic and geographic constraints to return to formal education. The program, coordinated by the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education (Kemendikdasmen), is implemented through parent schools and partner schools, including in Bungo Regency, Jambi.

Deputy Minister of Primary and Secondary Education (Wamendikdasmen) Fajar Riza Ul Haq expressed his appreciation for the implementation of distance learning (PJJ) while reviewing learning at SMAN 1 Bungo, Jambi, on Friday (August 7). The visit was made to observe the learning process firsthand and provide motivation to the first batch of students participating in PJJ.

Fajar explained that the distance learning (PJJ) coordinated by the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education is part of formal education. Students are enrolled at the parent school, SMA Negeri 10 Jambi, and are entitled to receive a diploma upon completion of their education, in accordance with applicable regulations.

"Later, you will officially be high school students registered at the main school in Jambi City. The grades will be the same, and the quality will be the same," said Fajar. He also reminded those who meet the requirements to take advantage of the registration opportunity, which is open until August 30th.

The implementation of distance learning has been directly felt by students who previously discontinued school, including Yanita Franselina Manik, Muhammad Ali Imron, and Renaldi Pratama. All three chose distance learning to support their families financially but still wanted to continue their education. Yanita hopes that distance learning will help her obtain her diploma and become a better person.

Renaldi Pratama also shared his experience of juggling studying and working as a motorcycle washer since graduating from junior high school. Despite earning an average daily income of Rp 50,000, Renaldi still wants to continue his education to achieve a better future. "I hope it will be easier for me to get a diploma while still being able to work," he said during a dialogue with Deputy Minister Fajar.

Meanwhile, Muhammad Ali Imron is optimistic about being able to participate in distance learning while pursuing his dreams. After being out of school for a year, Imron wants to return to his studies and contribute to his region. "I want to make it easier to get a job, and maybe become Regent; that's not impossible," Imron said.

At the regional level, the Jambi Provincial Government, through the Head of the Jambi Provincial Education Office, Umar, supports the implementation of distance learning (PJJ) through the "Pro-Jambi Cerdas" program. This program provides school supplies, such as clothing, bags, books, and shoes, to students from registered underprivileged families. "We appreciate this innovation from the Ministry of Education and Culture and have implemented various outreach efforts, including door-to-door outreach to village offices down to the neighborhood association (RT) level to recruit ATS," Umar explained.

The principal of SMAN 1 Bungo, Lugimin, stated that his school, as a partner school, continues to coordinate with SMA Negeri 10 Jambi, the parent school. The education office, along with the school, is also disseminating information about distance learning through social media and village officials' networks in 17 sub-districts in Bungo Regency. "We are trying to assure the public that the diplomas they receive are truly official from public high schools in Jambi City," Lugimin added.

At the end of the visit, Fajar encouraged the education office and schools to improve technological infrastructure support and the competency of mentor teachers. Umar stated that the Jambi Provincial Government would budget for the procurement of cloud servers and training in video content creation for educators next year.

This support is expected to help the implementation of PJJ run more optimally so that students continue to receive learning assistance while undergoing formal education.*** (Author: Rany/Editor: Uly/Photographer: Ikram)

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