Recognition of the Ministry of Education to Ansar Langnge

Inventions change the course of knowledge and the world. Abu Ja’far Muḥammad bin Mūsā Al-Khwārizmī is known as the Father of Algebra and the pioneer of the number zero. For his extraordinary contributions, we witness the development of technology today, such as the computer through binary opposition (0 vs 1).

Without the intellectual breakthrough of this Persian scholar, we can only imagine how dark the world of science—especially mathematics—would be. The West, which initially used Roman numerals, successfully transitioned through the Dark Ages because Al-Khwārizmī’s works were translated into Latin by European scholars.

The name Al-Khwārizmī is monumental. To keep it grounded, let’s bring the focus to Indonesia, specifically the world of teacher education. Ansar Langnge, a Mathematics teacher in Bulukumba District, South Sulawesi Province, Indonesia received recognition and an award from the Minister of Education and Culture of the Republic of Indonesia in 2015. This was for his work on the use of “Tongmini” (Mini stick) as teaching aids to improve the ability of Grade VIIB students at Sate Junior High School 11 Bulukumba to solve integer division. Ansar did not change the world like Al-Khwārizmī, but he played a significant role in transforming the face of Mathematics education, which is often seen as terrifying in Indonesian schools.

Learning about integers, which is usually presented abstractly on the whiteboard, became more visual through affordable teaching aids that were easier for students to grasp. Is that not turning complexity into simplicity? Jalaluddin Rakhmat once said that a smart person is one who is able to simplify a complex problem. An intellectual teacher like Ansar is capable of answering that challenge.

“How many people from South Sulawesi received this award?” I asked while looking at his certificate. “I was the only teacher from South Sulawesi who went to Yogyakarta to receive that award,” he said in a calm voice. His friendly, smiling persona and easy-going nature reinforced the impression that he is far from being a “killer” teacher. From the word “only,” a critique and a hope emerged. We still lack teachers who are willing to be creative, even though the Ministry of National Education has opened doors for innovation. In fact, it is a great opportunity to improve teacher quality and career paths.

 

Ansar Langnge now is a headmaster of State Junior High School 1 Bulukumba in South Sulawesi, the best high local school across generations. Under his leadership, the school continues to increase its number of high-achieving students, from local to national levels. The combination of an innovative principal and talented students creates a powerful momentum for progress. Because there are so many achievements, he mentioned that every week—specifically during the Monday flag ceremony—there is an appreciation ceremony for students with academic and non-academic achievements at the District, Provincial, and National levels. How can it be that great? According to him, the school performs structured and neat mapping to identify student talents and interests, then encourages them to participate in competitions.

The grand physical structure of a school, equipped with all its supporting facilities—as important as they are—indeed becomes a source of pride and is often touted as a sign of progress. But what is the use of it all if the students’ minds are empty? A school should not merely be a tool for legitimizing certicates, reflecting backward thinking like Europe’s Dark Ages. A school is not a five-star hotel advertisement. The best advertisement for a school is the proof of improved human resource quality that convinces its students that pursuing knowledge is vital for their future.

If the West has succeeded in taking the initiative to catch up by translating Al-Khwārizmī’s works and then translating them into all languages, can Ansar Langnge’s work be followed up by the Regional and Central Government to be implemented in schools?

Zulkarnain Patwa
Bulukumba, May 3, 2026