Education Ministry: New Schools Improve Learning Quality in Purbalingga

The Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education (Kemendikdasmen) has stated that the school revitalisation programme is improving the quality of learning for pupils in Purbalingga Regency, Central Java. During a working visit to Purbalingga, Minister of Primary and Secondary Education Abdul Mu’ti officially inaugurated the revitalisation of 32 educational units for the 2025 fiscal year, whilst symbolically handing over mock-ups to recipients of assistance for the 2026 fiscal year. He explained that for the 2025 fiscal year, the government allocated Rp28.95 billion to revitalise 32 educational units in Purbalingga, comprising 4 kindergartens, 14 primary schools, 7 junior high schools, 6 senior/vocational high schools, and 1 special needs school. The programme ensures that more students can learn in better facilities. The Minister added that this commitment continues into the 2026 fiscal year, with 12 more educational units designated to receive revitalisation assistance, backed by a total budget of Rp9.81 billion and covering 3 early childhood education centres, 7 primary schools, and 2 junior high schools. The benefits of the programme were felt by Nada Zahra, a student at SMP Negeri 2 Kutasari, who said the changes have had a significant impact on her daily learning experience, making it much more comfortable. Classrooms that previously leaked when it rained have been replaced with sturdy buildings, while additional toilets mean students no longer have to queue for long periods. “I am so happy our school has a new building. The classrooms are nice and no longer leak when it rains. The toilets have also been added, so we don’t have to queue for long,” she said. The positive impact was also acknowledged by Arif Rahman, Head of SMP Negeri 2 Kutasari. He said the rehabilitated building was an old structure that had not been repaired for decades and had been damaged by a fallen tree. “The classrooms that used to leak are now sturdy, clean, and safe. This has really boosted the children’s enthusiasm for learning,” he said.