Mayor of Serang Explains Reasons for Relocating SMPN 4 and Converting Old Building into Car Park
The Mayor of Serang, Budi Rustandi, has explained the plan to relocate SMPN 4 Serang City from Jalan Juhdi to Ciracas. He stated that the old asset will be converted into a parking area to ensure the building does not fall into disuse and can generate income.
Budi Rustandi explained that during a visit to SMPN 4 Serang City, he realised his ambition to transform the institution into a flagship school could not be achieved at its current location. “When I visited SMP 4, I saw many classrooms occupied by 4 ext<0xA0>45 students; 45 students per class is no longer appropriate. We also observed that the school lacks sufficient parking and other facilities,” Budi said on Wednesday (2/9/2026).
Budi mentioned his intention to utilise an abandoned building in the Ciracas area. The building was constructed before his term began and cost approximately Rp 11 billion.
“When I saw it, I thought this is good for a school, but I do not want it to be just a new school because I do not want any friction with private schools,” Budi remarked. He aims to create a model or flagship school at that site, complete with upgraded infrastructure and facilities, by utilising the available land in Ciracas.
Regarding the use of the land for parking, Budi emphasised that he does not want any Serang City Government assets to be abandoned. He intends to convert the former school building into a parking lot to increase Local Original Revenue (PAD). “The space will be utilised as a parking building so that it does not go to waste, but instead generates more potential PAD and supports the new Pasar Lama project, which will be built in 2027 by the Governor,” Budi added.
Meanwhile, the Head of the Serang City Education and Culture Office (Dindikbud), Ahmad Nuri, stated that the relocation of SMPN 4 would not leave local residents without access to public schools. “Around the Alun-alun area, there are SMP 15, SMP 2, and SMP 3,” he said.
He added that Ciracas currently suffers from a shortage of schools, and the relocation is intended to ensure the equitable distribution of education. “The move to this area is precisely for the equalisation of education, as there are currently no schools in Ciracas,” he noted.
School Committee Raises Questions
The SMPN 4 Serang City School Committee previously questioned the discourse regarding the relocation of the school building from Jalan Juhund, Serang District, to Ciracas. The committee expressed concerns that the move would impact students living near the current school under the zoning system.
“I am not in a position to accept or reject it yet. My position is simply: why must it be moved? That is the way of thinking,” said the Chairman of the SMPN 4 Serang City School Committee, Mohammad Safari, in Serang on Monday (31/8).
According to him, SMPN 4 Serang City already has an established ecosystem, noting that many students live close to the school. “If this is moved to a distant location, it means the zoning system will no longer apply to this area. Where will the students go?” he asked.