Army Officers Teach In Schools At Indonesia-Malaysia Border

Nunukan, E Kalimantan, Jan 14 (ANTARA) - As many as 58 National Army officers stationed at the Indonesia-Malaysia border in Nunukan, East Kalimantan, teach in local schools while guarding the national border. The commander of the Border Security Task Force (Dansatgas Pamtas) of Padmakusuma 407 Battalion, Mayor Inf. Ari Aryanto, said these 58 Army officers have been given training and briefing on teaching pedagogues. Army officers have to pass a test before they are certified to teach. They are then given 29 border security posts from Nunukan to Malinau Regency. "Teaching has become one of the main duties of the Army officers stationed in border areas. They help to educate the community and the nation," Aryanto said. The Padmakusuma 407 Battalion is keen on improving the education system in border areas. One of the local schools assigned to the Army officers is the Filial Perum Elementary School in the Tabur Lestari Village, Seimenggaris Subdistrict, Nunukan Regency. Army officers not only teach the children but also enhance the ambience of classrooms by collaborating with locals. One of the classrooms in the Filial Perum Elementary School is located under a traditional house constructed on piles. One classroom is used to teach two groups of students concurrently. Two Army officers have been assigned to teach in the classroom six days a week. There are many Army officers who are teaching in other schools in border areas, Aryanto said.