BCA Empowers Papua Education Through Innovative STEM Program

Transforming Education in Eastern Indonesia

Bank Central Asia (BCA) has demonstrated its ongoing commitment to improving educational outcomes in Indonesia's eastern regions through its Bakti BCA program at SDN 35 Sorong, Papua. The initiative featured a comprehensive STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) Festival, showcasing students' innovative projects that address real-world problems.

Innovative Student Projects

The STEM Festival at SDN 35 Sorong highlighted various groundbreaking projects developed by elementary school students. Notable innovations included:

• Smart Eco Hydroponic 35: An automated plant watering system created to assist teachers in maintaining school gardens
• Automatic Flood Alarm System: An early warning system for flood detection
• Electricity-free Fan: Innovative solution for cooling without electricity
• Simple Composter: Environmentally friendly waste management system
• Water Purification Solution: Innovative method for addressing turbid water issues

Comprehensive Educational Support

The Bakti BCA program extends beyond the STEM Festival, incorporating multiple facets of educational development:

1. Digitalization Program: BCA inaugurated a Learning Resource Room at SDN 35 Sorong, equipped with 15 laptops to support digital learning
2. Character Development: Implementation of character-building programs in schools
3. Teacher Training: Workshops and training sessions for educators to develop structured STEM programs
4. Community Engagement: Collaboration between schools, local communities, and business sectors

Impact and Future Prospects

As of September 2025, BCA has successfully mentored 12 Bakti BCA schools across various regions in Indonesia, including Bengkulu, East Kalimantan, and East Nusa Tenggara. The program has already handed over 20 schools to local education authorities in Lampung, Serang, Gunung Kidul, and Banyuwangi.

The success of this initiative demonstrates how corporate social responsibility programs can create meaningful impact in Indonesia's education sector, particularly in remote regions. By empowering students with critical thinking and problem-solving skills, BCA aims to cultivate a generation that is not only academically proficient but also innovative and socially responsible.