Minister of Basic and Secondary Education: School Revitalisation Impacts Local Economy

Sorong - Minister of Basic and Secondary Education Abdul Mu’ti said school revitalisation programmes not only aim to improve educational facilities but also directly impact local economic growth and job creation among local communities.

Abdul Mu’ti stated the government aims to revitalise 71,744 educational institutions by 2026 through a self-management system involving schools and local communities.

“The self-management system makes the programme more effective, faster, cost-efficient, and ensures high-quality construction,” Abdul Mu’ti said during his working visit to Sorong City, Southwest Papua, on Tuesday.

He explained that the self-management approach in school revitalisation absorbs significant labour, with each school typically involving around 10 workers during construction.

In 2025, the revitalisation of 16,167 educational institutions is projected to absorb approximately 250,000 workers.

“The programme also stimulates the local economy as communities not only work on the projects but also purchase construction materials from local shops and resources,” he added.

Abdul Mu’ti said the government hopes school revitalisation will not only improve educational facilities but also strengthen local community economies.

He noted that digital interactive boards have now reached schools in remote Papua, with deliveries even made by boat to inaccessible areas.

“This is proof that the education digitisation programme is progressing well thanks to support from all parties,” he said.

During the visit, Abdul Mu’ti, alongside Southwest Papua Governor Elisa Kambu and Sorong City Mayor Septinus Lobat, inaugurated schools receiving 2025 revitalisation assistance and handed over 2026 revitalisation funds.

He added that digital devices boost students’ learning enthusiasm and support more interactive teaching processes.

“Strict oversight of the revitalisation programme is conducted through reporting systems, consultant supervision, and financial audits to ensure transparent and accountable construction,” he explained.

For the 2025 revitalisation programme, Sorong Regency received funding for 15 schools totalling Rp22.67 billion, while Sorong City received assistance for 12 schools worth Rp4.94 billion.

For the 2026 programme, Sorong Regency was allocated funds for 34 schools worth Rp16.59 billion, and Sorong City for five schools totalling Rp3.65 billion.