Politeknik Negeri Jember (POLIJE) continues to demonstrate its commitment to educational equity by expanding access to vocational higher education in Sabu Raijua Regency, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT). Through its Off-Campus Study Program (PSDKU) Campus 6, POLIJE provides young people in one of Indonesia’s frontier, outermost, and underdeveloped (3T) regions with the opportunity to pursue quality higher education without leaving their hometowns. The initiative represents a strategic effort to improve educational access while fostering sustainable regional development.

For many local students, the presence of POLIJE has significantly reduced the financial barriers associated with pursuing higher education. Marquez Rona, a student at POLIJE Sabu Raijua, shared that students no longer need to relocate to Kupang or other cities, making higher education considerably more affordable for local families. He also expressed appreciation for the dedication of lecturers who travel from the main campus in Jember to ensure that students receive the same quality of education as those studying at the university's main campus.

The collaboration between POLIJE and the Sabu Raijua Regency Government is expected to play a vital role in accelerating regional development. Regent Krisman Bernard Riwu Kore emphasized that the partnership provides an important foundation for strengthening local human resources while optimizing the region's abundant natural resources. He also expressed hope that additional academic programs would be introduced in the future to better align vocational education with the economic potential and workforce needs of the region.

According to Saiful Anwar, Director of POLIJE, the establishment of Campus 6 reflects the institution's commitment to delivering inclusive, high-quality vocational education that responds directly to regional development priorities. He explained that Sabu Raijua possesses significant natural resource potential, which requires competent human resources capable of managing these assets sustainably and generating long-term economic benefits for local communities.

Beyond expanding educational opportunities, POLIJE aims to become a strategic partner in developing the region's leading economic sectors. Through competency-based vocational education, students are equipped with practical skills that prepare them not only for employment but also for entrepreneurship and innovation in agriculture, fisheries, agribusiness, and other locally relevant industries. This approach ensures that graduates can contribute directly to regional economic growth after completing their studies.

The development of Campus 6 is part of a broader long-term collaboration between POLIJE and the Sabu Raijua Government. Both institutions continue to strengthen academic capacity through infrastructure development, the planned introduction of new study programs, and ongoing coordination with national government agencies to improve educational facilities and support sustainable campus growth.

The establishment of POLIJE in Sabu Raijua also represents an important milestone in advancing educational equity across eastern Indonesia. By bringing quality vocational education closer to communities in remote areas, the university contributes to reducing regional disparities while preparing a new generation of skilled professionals capable of driving local innovation and improving community welfare.

Through the successful implementation of PSDKU Campus 6, POLIJE demonstrates how higher education institutions can serve as catalysts for inclusive regional development. By combining accessible education, strong collaboration with local government, and competency-based vocational training, POLIJE is helping build a highly skilled workforce that will support sustainable economic growth and create new opportunities for communities in Indonesia's 3T regions.