RIAU ISLANDS —— Every morning, before the sun fully rises in the eastern sky, Barsini (38) is already awake. After performing her prayers, she tidies up the house and prepares breakfast for her husband, who works on a company project in Natuna, and her child, who is getting ready for school. In a simple house far from the hustle and bustle, this routine has been ingrained in her life since she began teaching at Madinatunnajah School, Binjai Village, Bunguran Barat District, Natuna Regency, Riau Islands, in 2013.
She has been teaching at the school for 12 years. Initially, she was just a regular Quran teacher, but then she applied to become a temporary teacher. She teaches Accounting and Aqidah Akhlak, two subjects that she believes can prepare her students for life, both in this world and the hereafter.
“Teachers are role models, so that children can achieve their dreams,” she said softly with determination.
Every day, Barsini travels 15–30 minutes to school by motorcycle. It’s not that long, but the terrain makes it feel like a long journey. Some of the roads are damaged, bumpy, and often slippery. There are few houses, and in some places there are none at all. The only things accompanying him on his journey are the lush forest, the humid air of Natuna, and the chatter of his 4-year-old son, whom he takes with him. Sometimes, he encounters wild animals along the way.
“Sometimes I encounter wild boars, especially early in the morning at 7 a.m., so I drive my motorcycle slowly,” he said with a small smile.
Another worrying thing is unexpected moments, such as when his motorcycle suddenly breaks down in the middle of the forest. At times like that, he and his youngest child just wait under the shade of a leafy tree until someone passes by. If there is no help, he calls other teachers or relatives to pick them up. They are forced to push the motorcycle together to school.
“When it breaks down like that, I’m confused. Who can I talk to? Sometimes I just wait until someone passes by,” he said.
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When it rains, the challenges increase. There are no houses to take shelter in, no roadside guard posts. If she is traveling alone at that time, she continues on her way, braving the heavy rain to arrive on time.
Not long ago, an incident occurred that required him to seek treatment at a health center. After teaching, he usually did not go straight home. The mother of two picked up her eldest child at an elementary school located on a road separate from her home and the school where she taught. While on her way to pick up her child, a wild dog suddenly ran onto the road in front of her.
“We didn’t know the dog would suddenly cross the road. So I fell,” she said.
She was thrown to the side of the road. She had a few scrapes on her body from being scraped by the asphalt. Several parts of her motorcycle were also broken. Fortunately, the incident was not far from the health center, so she immediately received help.
This story did not deter Barsini. Every morning, she returned to take her eldest child to elementary school, took her four-year-old youngest child with her to the school where she taught, and then crossed the same forest road again. Amid her responsibilities as a mother, she remained steadfast in her role as an educator tasked with igniting the future of her students.
Although his salary as a contract teacher is often uncertain, he remains grateful for whatever he receives.
“Well, it’s enough, isn’t it? We should just be grateful,” he said softly.
On Tuesday (11/18/2025), Barsini was one of 23 honorary teachers who received basic food supplies and cash assistance from Dompet Dhuafa. This program is the result of support from hundreds of kind-hearted individuals through the “Donate to Help Contract Teachers Prosper” campaign on Dompet Dhuafa’s digital channel: digital.dompetdhuafa.org/donasi/guruhonorer.
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This assistance is an important source of support amid the uncertainty of his monthly salary. He uses the funds for unexpected needs that almost always arise unpredictably.
“Alhamdulillah, it is very helpful. Especially since the honorary salary is not guaranteed every month,” he said gratefully.
At the end of her story, Barsini conveyed a simple message. A message addressed to honorary teachers throughout Indonesia, especially those who work in remote areas, outlying regions, and areas far from conveniences.
“To honorary teachers in Indonesia, keep up the spirit of teaching. We are educating the nation’s future generations. They are the ones who will continue and replace us,” said Barsini, a woman who does not give up despite the rough roads, weather, wild animals, or the uncertainty of her honorarium. (Dompet Dhuafa)
Text and photos: Riza Muthohar
Editor: Dhika