At sunrise, the Martapura River awakens with a flurry of wooden boats at Pasar Terapung Lok Baintan. Here, dozens of Nini (grandmother) and Acil (auntie) skillfully paddle their Jukung, a tiny traditional canoes, laden with bananas, pineapples, traditional snacks, and local crafts. The scene, as timeless as the 13th-century traditions of the Banjar people, hides a quiet struggle. These women, custodians of cultural heritage, often find themselves at a disadvantage when international tourists float by, unable to exchange more than a hesitant “yes” or “no.”
On April 16th, our Solve Education! team had the privilege of meeting Amang Arul—the respected “uncle” who coordinates the merchants at this iconic South Kalimantan floating market. Amang warmly shared his community’s challenges and aspirations. Although the river continues to sustain livelihoods through fish farming and trade, the sellers face a language barrier that limits their opportunities to connect with the world beyond their shores.
Innovation Meets Tradition: Edbot.ai Arrives at the River
Innovation is at the heart of everything we do at Solve Education!, and the meeting with Amang was no exception. We introduced him to Edbot.ai, our AI-powered learning platform accessible even on basic smartphones. Edbot.ai represents the cornerstone of our GAIN framework—Gamification, AI Coaching, Incentives, and Network.
Amang was intrigued. While many sellers are not tech-savvy, he saw promise in this technology as a tool to bridge generations and global markets. With his leadership, he’s eager to rally the community, creating learning circles where even the most hesitant learners can gradually build confidence in English, supported by peer encouragement and interactive tools.
Gamified learning features on Edbot.ai allow users to earn points for every lesson completed points that can be exchanged for internet data, basic necessities, or access to workshops. This aligns perfectly with the sellers’ routines: short, practical lessons that respect their busy mornings on the river. With simple interfaces and audio-based exercises, even non-literate users can start speaking with greater fluency.
Crossing Bridges, Literally and Figuratively
Reaching Lok Baintan Village isn’t easy. The journey takes you over 20 kilometers of rough roads, several wobbly wooden bridges, and through the dense greens of Kalimantan. But the resilience of the community is as strong as the ropes that tie their canoes each morning. It is this spirit that gives us hope that the floating market won’t just survive—it will thrive.
By enabling sellers to communicate in basic English, they can better engage with tourists, confidently present their goods, and even learn phrases to share the stories behind their handmade crafts. Language is not just a tool—it’s an invitation to connect, to understand, and to appreciate. Indeed, floating education is transformative, providing language skills that help bridge cultural divides.
Flowing Forward, Together
Lok Baintan is more than a picturesque market’s a reflection of how deep-rooted traditions can coexist with forward-thinking ideas. What’s starting there isn’t just a trial run; it’s a glimpse into how community-led enthusiasm and simple digital tools can come together in meaningful ways.
We see this as an open invitation for those who believe in the power of education and community to walk alongside us. Whether it’s lending expertise to help adapt content to local contexts, supporting access to devices, or simply sharing this story with someone who can help, every contribution matters.
Together, we can ensure that the Ninis and Acils of Lok Baintan don’t just watch the world pass by on the river—they join the conversation.
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