Limited facilities and geographic access are not barriers to delivering meaningful education. This spirit resonated strongly at KREASI Talk, an inspiring dialogue forum that brought together education changemakers from Nias Selatan Regency and leaders of Ikatan Guru Indonesia (IGI) from across the archipelago.
Held at Jakarta, on January 17, 2026, the forum marked the culmination of reflection and collaboration under the KREASI program. With a mission to disseminate best practices from remote areas of Nias Selatan to the national stage, KREASI Talk affirmed that educational innovation can flourish even in regions facing significant limitations.
The event was opened by the Chairperson of IGI, Danang Hidayatullah, along with the KREASI Chief of Party – Save the Children, represented by Regional Manager, Man Magilan. Both emphasized the importance of collaboration and the replication of best practices in addressing educational challenges across diverse regions.
One of the most engaging sessions featured the presentation of the STEM approach (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) as a strategy for transitioning from early childhood education to primary school by Ainun Fitria Ahmad, an educator from a Raudhatul Athfal (Islamic early childhood education center) in Teluk Dalam. She demonstrated how simple tools and materials found in students’ surroundings can be transformed into creative and meaningful learning media—without imposing rigid early reading, writing, and arithmetic demands. “We do not wait for perfect conditions to take action. By utilizing what is available in students’ natural and social environments, learning becomes more relevant and lasting,” she explained.
The issue of post-pandemic learning loss was also highlighted through a presentation by Pustriani Gaurifa, an elementary school teacher, on the Catch Up Club initiative. This program supports students in closing gaps in literacy and numeracy through a more personalized and enjoyable approach, fostering greater self-confidence.
In the following session, Adilina Harefa, a public elementary school principal, shared her experience in practicing collaborative leadership amid resource constraints. She emphasized that school principals should act as facilitators of innovation rather than merely administrators. When teachers are given space to experiment without fear, motivation increases and the learning atmosphere becomes more positive.
More than just a storytelling platform, KREASI Talk served as a strategic forum for sustainability. The documented best practices are expected to be replicated or adapted by IGI leaders in various regions according to their local contexts.
Attended by approximately 250 participants in person, the forum concluded with optimism that educational transformation begins with small, consistent steps taken in the classroom. Nias Selatan has proven that even from the most remote point, inspiration can reach the entire nation.
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The Program of KREASI or Kolaborasi untuk Edukasi Anak Indonesia (Collaboration for the Education of Indonesian Children) is funded by the Global Partnership for Education, developed by the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education, and the Ministry of Religious Affairs. KREASI is being implemented by Save the Children with Ikatan Guru Indonesia and support by the Government of Nias Selatan. KREASI aims to improve the quality of education in Indonesia by strengthening teaching, learning, and student development.
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Writer: Afnidar Dakhi | Editor: Nabila Aulia | Photo: Abisola Arfa/KREASI/Save the Children