The Smile of the Tapal Batas Children Encourages Indonesia's Hope

SEBATIK ISLAND - That morning, the laughter of children filled the courtyard of MI Darul Furqon in the Central Sebatik District, Nunukan Regency, North Kalimantan. The simple school, which stands on the Indonesian-Malaysian border area, suddenly became more lively. The students' eyes lit up when they gathered, listening to a story full of messages of goodness, before receiving a gift that may seem simple to some, but is so meaningful to them.

At the school, which is familiarly called the Tapal Batas School, every day the children learn with enthusiasm even though they are far from the hustle and bustle of the city. They grow on the porch of the country, where the border line of the country is not just a marker on the map, but a part of everyday life.

In commemoration of National Children's Day, Dompet Dhuafa East Kalimantan is present through the Sharing Smiles of Goodness School Tapal Batas program. On Friday (24/7/2026), the humanitarian institution distributed 37 learning equipment packages to students and grocery packages for teachers who have been loyal to educating generations in border areas.

However, what left the deepest impression was not only the aid package. Before the distribution began, the children were immersed in the stories brought by members of the Central Sebatik Pramuka Movement Branch Working Council (DKR). With a humorous and enthusiastic style, the storytellers invited them to imagine, laugh together, and learn about the values of goodness, courage, and love of the country.

The usually calm atmosphere of the school turned into a laugh. For children on the border, moments like this are not just entertainment, but experiences that strengthen their spirit to continue to learn and dream.

Head of MI Darul Furqon, Adnan Lolo, expressed his gratitude for the attention given to his school. According to him, the assistance not only alleviates the needs of students and teachers, but also serves as a motivational injection to continue to provide the best education in border areas.

"This assistance not only provides direct benefits for students and teachers, but also encourages us to continue to provide the best education in border areas. We hope that programs like this can continue so that more and more children at the Tapal Batas School feel the benefits," he said.

In areas directly bordering other countries, teachers bear a heavy responsibility. They not only teach reading, writing, and counting, but also instill a sense of pride in being part of Indonesia to children who grow on the front lines of the country.

This is the spirit that Dompet Dhuafa East Kalimantan wants to continue to maintain. The Head of the Dompet Dhuafa East Kalimantan Branch, Danang Pikatan, said that this program is an effort to ensure that children in border areas still have a better learning opportunity while also fostering confidence in pursuing their dreams.

"Through the Sharing Smiles of Good Schools Tapal Batas program, we hope to continue to present the spirit of sharing and expanding benefits for the community, especially children who are studying in border areas, so that they can study with more enthusiasm and confidence in achieving their dreams. In addition, we want to cultivate a sense of nationalism from schools that are on the border, so that ideology and love for Indonesia continue to grow," said Danang.

In the midst of all the limitations that schools in border areas still face, the smiles of the children that day were a reminder that hope never knows distance. A school bag, a notebook, or an inspiring story may seem simple. However, for those who grow up at the end of the country, such attention is proof that Indonesia is present, sees, and does not forget them.

At the border, education is not just about chasing grades in the classroom. Education is a way to keep dreams, care for love of the country, and ensure that children on the front lines of the country have the same opportunity to look to the future.