PROMOTING THE FUTURE THROUGH EDUCATION: THE ROLE OF TEACHERS IN MINING AREAS

Abstract

Bangka Belitung, known for its globally recognized tin mining industry, has recently faced significant corruption cases within the sector. This emphasizes the region’s need to diversify its economy beyond mining and prioritize education for sustainability. The province has recorded the lowest Gross Enrollment Ratio (GER) in higher education in Indonesia over the past nine years, indicating a concerning disparity between educational quality and the wealth generated from tin mining. Teachers, especially during curriculum transitions, are identified as key factors in improving education quality in the province. This article aims to propose strategies to enhance education in mining areas, particularly in Bangka Belitung Province, through teacher empowerment. This research contributes uniquely by highlighting the urgent need for teacher empowerment in mining areas, an aspect that has been underexplored in previous literature, which mostly focuses on environmental impacts in mining areas and the necessity of Environmental Education (EE) in schools. The study employs a qualitative method with a literature review approach, drawing on various scholarly sources. Based on the literature review, three main interventions are identified to improve education quality and motivate adolescents to pursue higher education. Teacher empowerment during curriculum transitions is the focal point. Firstly, organizing exhibitions on relevant topics such as the importance of education for sustainable futures or the dangers of overreliance on mining during the transition from the Proyek Penguatan Profil Pelajar Pancasila (P5) to the Merdeka Curriculum could be a viable option. Teachers can select topics and support the execution of these exhibitions, involving government agencies, stakeholders, tin mining operators, and productive-age adolescents who have not continued their education as invitees. Secondly, conducting mining tours tailored for teachers to deepen their understanding of mining’s potential, impacts, sustainability, and assurances for the future of children in Bangka Belitung Province. This initiative aims to empower teachers with insights to restore their role not only as knowledge transmitters but also as career advisors and mentors for high school students, as well as to encourage high school students to continue their studies. Thirdly, strengthening the role of guidance counselors (BK teachers) as advisors for further study plans and career guidance for adolescents while they are still in school. Through the proposed strategies, this research aims to contribute to ongoing efforts to improve education quality and encourage higher education participation in mining areas, particularly in Bangka Belitung Province.