Economic hardship is not a barrier to achieving one’s dreams—at least, that’s what 26-year-old Imron Rosyidi from Tegal Rejo Village, Muara Enim Regency, firmly believes.His father works as a daily laborer, taking on various odd jobs, while his mother earns a living by selling goods at the local market each day.
As the eldest of two siblings, Imron is determined not to burden his parents. To help ease the financial strain of his education, he focused on academic achievements. Consistently ranking in the top three of his class, Imron was able to continue his studies through junior high and vocational school on an achievement-based track.
After graduating from a vocational school with a major in Mining Geology in 2016, Imron began working in the mining sector. Then, less than two months into his job, he learned about the Education Scholarship Program for Students Around Bukit Asam (BIDIKSIBA) from his teacher and parents. The scholarship, offered by PT Bukit Asam Tbk (PTBA), became a turning point—opening the door for Imron to pursue his dreams.
“I was working in the exploration drilling division. Even while in the forest, I made time to study—I brought books with me to prepare for the entrance exam. I applied to the D3 Civil Engineering program at the Sriwijaya State Polytechnic, and Alhamdulillah - thank God, I passed,” said Imron.
Thanks to the BIDIKSIBA scholarship from PTBA, Imron was able to study at Sriwijaya State Polytechnic (Polsri) with peace of mind, as all of his needs were fully covered. “There are no more excuses—we can truly focus on our studies without any financial worries,” he said.
According to Imron, the BIDIKSIBA program not only gave him access to higher education but also helped him develop essential skills needed to succeed in the professional world.
“The BIDIKSIBA program has played a major role in my life. Through this opportunity, I was able to continue my studies, gain valuable experiences, and expand my professional network. It has truly helped me pursue my dreams and build my career,” he said.
In 2019, Imron completed his D3 Civil Engineering degree at Sriwijaya State Polytechnic (Polsri). After gaining experience working with several companies, he applied to PTBA and was officially accepted in 2024.
Imron also shared a message for children from underprivileged families, encouraging them not to give up on their dreams. “With determination, hard work, and prayer, nothing is impossible,” he said.
“My principle is: if you want to go to college, don’t give up and stay focused on your studies. When you have faith in yourself and a willingness to try, there will definitely be a way. And don’t forget to seek your parents' blessings and prayers,” he concluded.
Dedy Saptaria Rosa, VP of Sustainability at PT Bukit Asam Tbk (PTBA), stated that the Bidiksiba program is a reflection of PTBA's commitment to fostering the development of communities around its operational areas through education. This aligns with the government's Asta Cita, specifically point 4, which focuses on the development of human resources (HR).
“Through the Bidiksiba program, we provide opportunities for students from underprivileged families to pursue higher education. In doing so, we aim to enhance the quality of human resources and break the cycle of poverty. We hope this program will have a positive impact on the futures of its participants and the broader community,” said Dedy.
Through its commitment to sustainable energy, PTBA runs the Bidiksiba program to provide opportunities for high school or equivalent graduates from underprivileged families in the surrounding community to pursue higher education at the Diploma Three (D-III) level.
From 2013 to 2024, a total of 367 young people from areas around PTBA’s operational sites have received this scholarship. Of these, 121 are current students, while 246 are alumni who have successfully found employment across various industries.
