Education Ministry and Military Join Forces to Rebuild Disaster-Hit Schools in Aceh

The recovery of education services following hydrometeorological disasters in Aceh is being accelerated through a partnership between the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education (Kemendikdasmen), local governments, and the Indonesian Army. This synergy is part of efforts to ensure students continue to receive education in safe and adequate facilities despite damage to their schools.

During a review of rehabilitation and reconstruction progress in Aceh, Minister of Primary and Secondary Education Abdul Mu’ti confirmed the government’s target to have most of the affected schools operational again by the 2026/2027 academic year. “We extend our gratitude to the Provincial Government of Aceh, district and city governments, and the ranks of the Indonesian Army who have partnered with us in the process of revitalising, rehabilitating, and reconstructing disaster-affected schools,” he stated.

The Minister explained that for schools still awaiting construction or relocation, the ministry has provided more representative temporary classrooms to ensure teaching and learning activities can continue. “Hopefully, the revitalisation, rehabilitation, and reconstruction process can be completed as quickly as possible so that the children of Aceh can return to learning optimally in their schools,” he said.

One of the schools currently undergoing rehabilitation is SD Negeri Utue. Established in 1984, the school suffered damage to several classrooms, ceilings, toilets, and its drainage system, which caused flooding during rain. This year, SD Negeri Utue received a total budget of IDR 1.83 billion for the rehabilitation of 7 classrooms, 1 library, 2 administration rooms, 1 toilet block with sanitation, 8 sets of classroom furniture, 1 set of library furniture, 2 sets of UKS (school health unit) furniture, and 3 environmental improvement packages.

Lieutenant Colonel Inf. Arino Vranta Sinurat, the Rehabilitation Implementation Commander, noted that SD Negeri Utue is part of a broader programme to rehabilitate 190 disaster-affected schools in Aceh. “In Aceh Province, there are 190 schools being rehabilitated by the Indonesian Army due to the impact of hydrometeorological disasters. Specifically at SD Negeri Utue, we are working on seven classrooms, two administration rooms, bathrooms, furniture procurement, and school environmental improvements,” he said. He added that the work is carried out using a type II self-management scheme that combines civilian professional workers and military personnel. “We involve eight civilian builders and three TNI personnel who work together to ensure the construction proceeds effectively and is completed on target,” he explained.

Suwarni, the Head of SD Negeri Utue, appreciated the construction approach that still allows teaching and learning activities to take place. “Alhamdulillah, we do not need to relocate students elsewhere. The work is done in stages so that rooms which are still usable can be used for learning. Teachers and the TNI also work together to ensure student safety during the construction process,” she said, expressing hope that the construction at the school would be carried out well.

Meanwhile, the Head of the Aceh Education Office, Murthalamuddin, explained that the government is continuing to accelerate the handling of affected schools. Verification results show that 2,920 schools were affected by the disaster, with 188 schools suffering severe damage and 63 schools requiring relocation. “Many schools that appear to still be using emergency classrooms are not being neglected, but rather the revitalisation process is ongoing. The most important thing is that learning continues while construction is carried out,” he said.

Through the collaboration between Kemendikdasmen, local governments, and the Indonesian Army, the rehabilitation of schools in Aceh is expected not only to restore damaged buildings but also to bring back safe and comfortable learning spaces for thousands of students post-disaster. The students of SD Negeri Utue expressed happiness with the ongoing revitalisation. They are eager to occupy their new classrooms. While waiting for their classrooms to be completed, some students from classes 4A and 4B are studying together in one room. “I am so happy that our school will be nicer later,” said Farhan. “I can’t wait to study in the new classroom. I am happy studying here,” added Afkar, a fourth-grade student who aspires to become a soldier. Another student, Salman, promised to continue studying diligently. The Minister’s visit to the school boosted the spirit and joy of the teachers and children to keep striving for their dreams. “I will study hard, play harmoniously, and be a brave child,” said Salman, who dreams of following in the footsteps of his idol, footballer Neymar.