Expert Staff for Social and Societal Affairs, Ni Wayan Rusmawati, reading the written remarks of Sumbawa Regent Syarafuddin Jarot at the 9th AKOM Graduation Ceremony on September 12, 2026.

SUMBAWA — A total of 478 graduates from the Olat Maras Community Academy (AKOM) attended the 9th AKOM Graduation Ceremony on September 12, 2026. The graduates comprise students from the Heavy Equipment Engineering and Renewable Energy Engineering study programs.

The Regent of Sumbawa, represented by the Assistant for General Governance and Community Welfare, Ni Wayan Rusmawati, attended the event.

In his written remarks, the Regent of Sumbawa, H. Syarafuddin Jarot, emphasized to the graduates that they are not graduating at an ordinary time. “Instead, you are graduating precisely when you are needed,” the Regent stated.

He noted that the Elang Block project by PT Amman Mineral Nusa Tenggara serves as one of the strategic projects set to bring a new dynamic to the economy of Sumbawa Regency. PT AMMAN even refers to the Elang Block as a massive copper and gold deposit.

Focus on Human Development According to the Regent, the primary issue today is not merely the size of the mineral reserves beneath Sumbawa’s soil. Rather, a far more critical question is: how many Sumbawan youth will ultimately be capable of securing employment driven by these opportunities? “This is the intersection between AKOM and Sumbawa’s future,” he stressed.

The government does not want investments to progress independently while the local community remains sidelined as mere spectators. The regional government aims to establish a genuine and tangible link and match between the government, higher education institutions, business sectors, and the industrial world.

Furthermore, in July 2026, the Provincial Government of West Nusa Tenggara (NTB) specifically began synchronizing the Elang Block development plans with vocational education and community empowerment programs.

“This means our direction is clear. When the industry requires skilled labor, our educational institutions must prepare them. And once our youth possess the necessary competencies, the industrial sector must also grant maximum space and opportunity to the local workforce.”

The Sumbawa Regency Government is actively promoting vocational education and training aligned with the demands of the business and industrial sectors. Therefore, the Regent reiterated, today’s graduates are not simply finishing their studies at a routine time. “You are graduating at a time when Sumbawa urgently needs individuals with the exact skills you possess.”

Special Message for the Graduates In his concluding remarks, the Regent delivered an inspiring message urging the graduates to take pride in their homeland and prepare to assume strategic roles in the future.

“My dear children, I want you to return from this ceremony today with one firm conviction: Sumbawa needs you. Do not feel that achieving success requires you to always move far away from Sumbawa.”

The Regent reminded them that even if AKOM graduates must someday leave, they should go to learn, work, and gain experience. However, once they have acquired those skills, they must not forget to return home—bringing their knowledge and experience back to build their own region.