The five teachers who received awards were Ahmad Haris (Alor, NTT), Untung (Sumenep, East Java), Suraidah (Sebatik, East Kalimantan), Indra Ariwibowo (Semarang, Central Java), and Supena (Lebak, Banten).
"They are special profiles whose spirit and struggle inspire us all. This country and nation owe it to them," Syaifudin stated, when giving an award at Harris Hotel, Bandung, on Saturday.
According to him, recipients of this award have similarities, namely limited facilities, lack of welfare, and struggle with stories that need struggle.
Even so, they had the enthusiasm to create a strong generation of nation and face various kinds of obstacles with sincerity. Their strength is shaped by the love of extraordinary students.
"If we reflect on ourselves, we will not been able to do it," he added.
All award-winning teachers come from remote areas far from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Ahmad Haris, for example, is the Madrasah teacher on Bua Island, Alor, NTT. He had to travel several kilometers from his home to the school where he taught at MI Bua Island, Alor.
Every day, this 40-year-old man has to leave the house early in the morning, walk three kilometers through the forest, and then swim across the strait one mile only to teach. He has been doing this for the past 15 years, despite his salary being too less.
Indra Ariwibowo, teacher of Extraordinary MI Budi Asih, Semarang, Central Java, said that he had to fight with his students, who initially only numbered four, when the classes flood during the rainy season.
Together with several of his colleagues, he succeeded in renovating an old school that was almost closed, turning it into a school for children with special needs, which now has its own land buildings.
"I also have special needs. I was given a mandate by a deceased foundation manager to guard the madrasa," he noted.
Suraidah, who is a teacher and the principal of MI Darul Furqan, Sebatik, Nunukan, North Kalimantan, remarked that the area is a remote area and is in the poverty line.
Even basic amenities, such as uniforms, shoes, bags, and school supplies, are still difficult to obtain. Some students who have siblings must take turns to use the same uniform when attending school.
"There is a student of mine who has to wear a uniform in turn with his younger brother who is attending an afternoon class," he remarked.
Supena is a teacher at the Al Ishlah`s Madrasa in Lebak, Pandeglang, Banten. Every day, Supena must travel a distance of 15 kilometers to get to where he teaches.
It is not a matter of distance, but the struggle to reach the school, especially during the rainy season when the land is very slippery and difficult for vehicles to pass.
Another thing that becomes a challenge is to convince the people there on the importance of education for their children. According to him, the public is educating more children to go to schools.
"There are no teachers there. The people there are mostly looking for work, so that they can earn money rather than being able to study or become a teacher," he pointed out.
Finally, Untung, an Al Miftah Madrasah teacher in Sumenep, Madura, East Java, is a disabled person with disabilities.
Although he does not have hands, he is still able to inspire others that limitations are not a barrier in educating the next generation.
Reporting by Asep Firmansyah
Editing by Eliswan
Reporter: Antara
Editor: Eliswan Azly
Copyright © ANTARA 2018
