Govt to fund school renovation

Govt to fund school renovation

JAKARTA: The Ministry of National Education plans to disburse
funds this year for the reconstruction in less developed regions
of 2,167 school buildings that have been damaged by natural
disasters.

Indra Djati Sidi, director general for elementary and
secondary education at the education ministry, said on Tuesday
that the funds would be transferred directly to school
committees.

Elementary schools are to receive Rp 50 million (US$5,630),
junior high schools Rp 65 million, and senior high schools Rp 75
million.

To reduce renovation costs, Indra suggested that students and
local residents take part in the reconstruction project.

It was expected that the students' participation in the
project would improve their sense of belonging to their school,
he added.

The ministry has funded the renovation of 234 school buildings
and 870 school buildings in 2001 and 2002, respectively. --
Antara