Jakarta – The government continues to demonstrate its commitment to maintaining the sustainability of education in disaster-affected areas by accelerating the construction of public schools. The Ministry of Public Works (PU) is currently accelerating the construction of Phase II of public schools in several districts and cities in Aceh Province as part of post-disaster recovery efforts.
Minister of Public Works, Dody Hanggodo, said the construction of People’s Schools is part of the government’s commitment to improving the quality of human resources.
“The Ministry of Public Works ensures that the Public School educational facilities are built quickly, precisely, and with high quality. So that the community can immediately utilize them,” said Dody.
Minister Dody hopes that the construction of the People’s School will become a hub for social recovery for disaster-affected communities. Furthermore, this program is also aimed at strengthening economic recovery, particularly for children from vulnerable families.
The second phase of the People’s School construction is being implemented through two work packages covering the areas of Aceh Besar, Bireuen, Lhokseumawe, Nagan Raya, Subulussalam, and Aceh Singkil. The project is funded through the State Budget (APBN) and is targeted for completion in stages for immediate use.
“We are accelerating construction while maintaining building quality. These schools are designed to be disaster-resistant and equipped with adequate supporting facilities,” he added.
The People’s School was built as an integrated educational facility equipped with modern classrooms, student and teacher dormitories, laboratories, a library, sports facilities, and healthcare facilities. The building’s design also took into account disaster mitigation aspects as a precautionary measure for future risks.
The government’s efforts have received support from the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI). Commission X of the DPR RI believes accelerating the restoration of educational infrastructure is crucial, given the large number of schools still affected by disasters in various regions.
“We urge the government to expedite the rehabilitation and reconstruction of schools so that teaching and learning can resume as soon as possible. The People’s School Program is a concrete solution for affected areas,” said Hetifah Sjaifudian, Chair of Commission X of the Indonesian House of Representatives.
Hetifah emphasized the importance of repairing damaged schools, providing emergency classrooms, and providing learning and play facilities for children in temporary shelters (huntara). She argued that access to education should not be interrupted simply because schools are far from evacuation sites.
Hetifah also expressed her appreciation for the government’s swift and coordinated response to the disaster in Sumatra, including in the education sector. Several efforts have been made, including the cleaning of 4,182 educational institutions, the erection of 153 tents, the provision of 160 emergency classrooms, and the distribution of 27,000 learning kits to students.
“Education recovery isn’t just about rebuilding school buildings, but also about ensuring a safe, resilient learning environment that supports the psychosocial recovery of the entire school community. That’s where the hope and future of our children are restored,” Hetifah concluded. (*)