History

Founded in 2003, Sokola Institute is the first organization in Indonesia which focuses on education for indigenous peoples and other marginalized groups in Indonesia. The organization was co-founded by five activists who initially worked with the Orang Rimba in Jambi, Sumatra. Their pioneering efforts in literacy and education began by developing a curriculum rooted in local phonetics and the mother tongue, tailored specifically to the needs of indigenous communities.

Operating across 11 provinces in Indonesia, Sokola delivers education that respects and integrates the cultural and linguistic backgrounds of the communities it serves. The institute has successfully benefited over 15,000 children and adults, with a strong emphasis on empowering local youth to become educators and advocates for their communities. 

Sokola’s work spans some of the most remote and underserved areas of Indonesia. Over the years, the organization has gained significant international recognition for its innovative programs. One of Sokola’s most notable achievements is the "Sokola Rimba" program, which was later adapted into a book and an award-winning film.

In 2024, Sokola Institute was honored with the prestigious UNESCO Confucius Prize for Literacy, recognizing its outstanding contributions to literacy and education for disadvantaged communities, particularly among indigenous groups.

Sokola continues to advocate for education as a fundamental right and a tool for empowering marginalized communities, ensuring they have the knowledge and skills necessary to navigate and thrive in a rapidly changing world.