Press Release

Tanjung Enim, October 19, 2026 — Economic hardships did not stop Fahrezi Al Ghifahri, Novendri, and Shangriella Andika Chandra Kirana from pursuing higher education. All three successfully completed their studies with support from the Bantuan Biaya Pendidikan Mahasiswa Sekitar Bukit Asam (BIDIKSIBA) scholarship program initiated by PT Bukit Asam (Persero) Tbk (PTBA), a member of the MIND ID Mining Industry Holding.

Fahrezi, a young man from Tanjung Enim, once had to put his dream of attending college on hold after his father was diagnosed with end-stage colon cancer. Through BIDIKSIBA, however, a new opportunity emerged. He pursued Mechanical Engineering at Malang State Polytechnic, graduated on time, and now aspires to build a career as a maintenance and reliability engineer in the manufacturing sector.

“From that day on, all my dreams felt real and within reach,” Fahrezi recalled.

Meanwhile, Novendri, the son of a grocery shop owner from Lahat, became the first member of his family to pursue higher education. BIDIKSIBA support, including the provision of a laptop, helped him develop his interests in technology and robotics. He graduated from the Informatics Management Study Program at Sriwijaya State Polytechnic with a GPA of 3.90 and cum laude honors. Looking ahead, he hopes to become a professional programmer and create job opportunities for others.

Another inspiring story comes from Shangriella, affectionately known as Riella, who grew up in a single-parent household. BIDIKSIBA support enabled her to complete her studies in Food Crop Cultivation at Lampung State Polytechnic, where she earned recognition as an outstanding student. She aspires to continue her education and contribute to the development of agriculture in Sumatra through productive land management and the empowerment of farming communities.

PTBA President Director Bambang Ismawan emphasized that education is a key foundation for developing high-quality human resources. Through BIDIKSIBA, PTBA seeks to expand access to education for young people living around the company's operational areas, giving them opportunities to develop their skills and improve their families' well-being.

“PTBA believes that investing in education is a long-term investment in the nation's future. Through BIDIKSIBA, we want to ensure that economic hardship does not prevent young people from pursuing higher education, developing their potential, and making meaningful contributions to society,” Bambang Ismawan said.

The stories of these three graduates reflect PTBA's commitment to supporting human resource development by expanding access to education. For them, graduation is not the end of the journey, but the beginning of realizing their aspirations and making a broader impact.

Riella shared this message for future BIDIKSIBA recipients: “You are now in the process of elevating your family's standing in the eyes of the world.”

For PTBA, the graduates' achievements are part of the company's broader efforts to grow alongside local communities through human resource development. By opening doors of opportunity for one generation, education also nurtures hope for the future of families, communities, and the nation.