Gibran Visits Riau Primary School After Teacher's Instagram Comment
REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA – Desi Pradipta, a teacher at SDN 016 Serusa Parit Aman in Rokan Hilir Regency, Riau Province, never expected that her comment on Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka’s Instagram account would result in a direct visit by the country’s number two to the school where she teaches. Gibran’s visit took place on Friday (17/7/2026).
It has brought fresh hope to teachers, pupils and residents that the school, whose condition is deeply concerning, will soon be repaired by the central government. Earlier, Desi had left a comment on one of Gibran’s Instagram posts inviting him to see for himself the condition of SDN 016 Serusa, which is considered no longer fit for use.
The invitation received a response and was ultimately realised through the Vice President’s working visit to the school. “I commented on the Vice President’s Instagram asking him to come to our school, SD 016 Serusa, and thank God he responded, and today he came to our school,” Desi said.
For Desi, the presence of the former mayor of Solo brings hope that the school where she serves will soon be rehabilitated so that teaching and learning activities can take place more safely and comfortably. “We hope this school can also be repaired; that is our hope as teachers here, and the children’s too,” Desi wished.
The school buildings indeed require attention. Several parts show signs of damage, ranging from ageing structures, a potholed field, to an unfenced swamp area within the school grounds. Seeing these conditions, Gibran then held a dialogue with parents to hear their various aspirations.
One parent, Muhari Siregar, said the school has stood for a long time and has produced many alumni who have contributed to both the region and the nation. “This is an old school, so many of its alumni have contributed to the village as well as the country,” said the father of pupils in years 2 and 6.
According to Muhari, Gibran committed to helping rehabilitate the school after witnessing the various forms of damage first-hand. The roof, ceiling, walls and doors all need urgent repair. “The building is fragile, the structure is leaning, the field for extracurricular activities is difficult to use, and so is the ceremony ground,” Muhari explained.
In addition to inspecting the school’s condition, he also listened to the various problems faced by the surrounding community. The majority of residents, who work as farmers and fishermen, complained about road infrastructure leading to farmland, the availability of diesel, and the distribution of subsidised fertiliser.
“Other matters, for instance our complaints about diesel availability and road infrastructure to the farms, will also be followed up. Subsidised fertiliser will also be provided going forward, because until now we have struggled to obtain subsidised fertiliser in our village,” Gibran said.
The visit marked a follow-up to aspirations conveyed by the public through social media, as well as part of the government’s efforts to directly inspect the condition of educational facilities in the regions. Acting Governor of Riau Sofyan Franyata Hariyanto, Regent of Rokan Hilir Bistamam, Acting Deputy Cabinet Secretary Al Muktabar, and Vice Presidential Special Staff Achmad Adhitya were present at the meeting.