323 Schools in Majalengka Damaged and Awaiting Revitalisation

REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, MAJALENGKA – The contrast between the condition of the building at SDN II Gandawesi in Ligung Subdistrict, Majalengka Regency, and the adjacent MBG kitchen building has drawn attention. The damaged school structure is seen as starkly contrasting with the new and well-maintained MBG kitchen.

In response, the Majalengka Regency Government, through the Education Office, remains committed to improving educational infrastructure and facilities across the entire regency. The Head of the Majalengka Regency Education Office, Muhamad Umar Ma’ruf, affirmed that his office had taken strategic steps well before the physical condition of the school became public knowledge.

Based on a comprehensive mapping, they have submitted proposals for large-scale revitalisation to the national level. “To date, 323 schools in Majalengka Regency have been proposed to the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education (Kemendikdasmen) for the revitalisation programme,” said Umar on Thursday (16/4/2026).

The details of the proposals include 39 early childhood education units (PAUD), 221 primary schools (SD), and 63 junior secondary schools (SMP). “This data shows that we are not working in a piecemeal manner. It’s not just SDN 2 Gandawesi, but all schools in similar conditions have been mapped and proposed collectively to the Ministry for proper handling,” he stated.

While awaiting budget approval from the central government, the Majalengka Regency Government is also taking swift action through local funds. This year, 22 schools have been allocated for revitalisation via the regency’s Regional Budget (APBD), consisting of 17 primary school buildings and five junior secondary school buildings.

Regarding the use of School Operational Assistance (BOS) funds for building repairs, Umar explained the applicable regulatory limits. Based on national regulations, BOS funds can only be used for facility maintenance up to a maximum of 20 per cent of the total funds received by the school.

“The public needs to understand that BOS funds are prioritised for teaching and learning operations. With a maximum ceiling of 20 per cent for light maintenance, it is certainly insufficient for major renovations. That is why revitalisation must go through a budget proposal channel with strict regulatory stages,” he added.

Umar further noted that the realisation of physical construction requires considerable time. This is because it must go through data synchronisation with Dapodik, field verification, and budget determination at the ministerial level.

“We greatly appreciate public concern as social control. We assure that this process is continuously monitored to ensure physical realisation is achieved soon for the comfort of our children in pursuing knowledge. Everything is done with an emphasis on regulatory compliance so that the results can be accounted for,” Umar concluded.