In the dynamic world of education that sometimes leads to exclusivity, a bold initiative has emerged to challenge this. Sekolah Angkasa, a movement initiated by a group called Tim 7, aims to make education and health rights accessible to all communities, embracing the value of inclusivity as their main foundation.
Tim 7 is a kind of discussion group that was formed in November 2022. At first, this group consisted of several parts. The Sekolah Angkasa program was born from one part of Tim 7. The word “Angkasa” in “Sekolah Angkasa” refers not only to a physical space, but also to a space of ideas and aspirations. By adopting a different approach from traditional educational institutions, Sekolah Angkasa is committed to providing education that is not only of high quality, but also accessible to all.
Tim 7’s secretary, Arinda Widyani Putri, told the story of the beginning of this community, executed by Tim 7 bagian 4 with extensive preparations. In June 2023, Sekolah Angkasa was officially formed. The inaugural event was held for three days with the main focus on literacy and education. During the event, seven discussions were held with speakers from various backgrounds.
On the last day of the activity, a Social Service (Baksos) activity was held in the form of free health checks. This is a concrete form of Sekolah Angkasa’s goal of “Education for All, Medicare for All”.
“On the last day there was a social service, free health checks. So we work together with BEM FK, BEM FKG, to make a space clinic examination,” said Arin.
Arin revealed that henceforth, Sekolah Angkasa will open four faculties (a kind of division of groups or divisions within Sekolah Angkasa), consisting of the Faculties of Philosophy and Education, Literature and Arts, Health, and Social and Political Economy. Currently, curriculum workshops are being organized for the four faculties.
Before the formation of the faculty, a trial was carried out in the form of implementing an activity called LK 7, which was held on March 1-5, 2024. This LK 7 activity contains various material classes that present several prospective “Lecturers”, discussing many things ranging from Philosophy to Political Economy.
Before the formation of the faculty, a trial was carried out in the form of implementing an activity called LK 7, which was held on March 1-5, 2024. This LK 7 activity contains various material classes that present several prospective “Lecturers”, discussing many things ranging from Philosophy to Political Economy.
Tim 7, which has been catalyzing this journey since November 2022, views education as a universal right that should not be limited by financial constraints.
Arin and friends notice today’s education system as very expensive, so it is no longer something that can be accessed by everyone. The Single Tuition Fee (UKT), which increases every year, means that not everyone can access higher education.
One of the crucial steps taken by Sekolah Angkasa is to facilitate free education and healthcare. Through various business units, such as the band, bookstore, space garden, and others, Sekolah Angkasa creates an internal source of funding that allows them to provide education and health services free of charge.
“We make schools, it is the schools that are subsidized, not the learners. That’s why there is a business unit. The friends who want to make this unit, agreed that 10% of the unit’s income is allocated to Sekolah Angkasa,” added Arin.
The widespread stigma in society, that free education and health is impossible, is something that the pioneers of Sekolah Angkasa want to break. They created a space and a movement without waiting and hoping for the government.
They believe that there is always a possibility. Although still limited, the potential to be better is always there.
Sekolah Angkasa continues to build strong networks with various communities and institutions to support its mission. Through close collaboration with art collectives, student organizations, and other local communities, Sekolah Angkasa strives to make education and health a shared agenda that is accessible to all.
Arin emphasized Sekolah Angkasa’s commitment to continue expanding the scope and impact of this program. They hope that Sekolah Angkasa can become a center of inspiration for inclusive efforts in the world of education and health, and inspire more similar efforts, namely the movement for free education and health discourse must spread everywhere.
With a spirit of inclusivity and collaboration, Sekolah Angkasa shows that education is not a right that should be limited, but a right that should be recognized and realized for everyone. With its bold and innovative steps, Sekolah Angkasa brings hope for a more inclusive and equitable future of education for all.
“We try to invite more friends who share the same vision, for example collaborators of BEM, Himpunan, UKM, maybe they can spread it on campus or wherever friends are active, so that the discourse on education and health for all remains alive. Being big is one thing, but having many people involved is important,” she said.
Read the original text in Bahasa Indonesia
Original Writer: Nurul Istiqamah B
Translated by: Nabila Rifqah Awaluddin and Nur Muthmainah
