Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education: School Revitalisation Boosts Local Economic Activity

LP3ES research shows that school revitalisation and new school construction programmes contribute significantly to local economic activity. Manokwari (ANTARA) - The Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education has allocated Rp8.1 billion to support infrastructure development at SMA Negeri 4 Manokwari in West Papua. Minister of Basic and Secondary Education Abdul Mu’ti said in Manokwari on Thursday that the infrastructure construction is targeted for completion within six months, involving local community participation. ‘President’s directive mandates that all school revitalisation and new school construction programmes use the swakelola system,’ said Minister of Basic and Secondary Education Abdul Mu’ti during the groundbreaking ceremony for SMA Negeri 4 Manokwari. He explained that the swakelola system aims to absorb local labour for physical infrastructure improvements and new school construction, thereby boosting local economic growth. ‘This year, the target for nationwide revitalisation is 71,744 units. If each school employs at least ten workers, that would absorb 717,440 workers,’ he added. According to him, the implementation of school revitalisation and new construction programmes across Indonesia in 2025 has already absorbed approximately 250,000 workers. This has had a significant impact on local economic activity, based on research conducted by the Economic and Social Research, Education, and Information Agency (LP3ES). He expressed hope for full support from local governments and all community elements to complete the construction of SMA Negeri 4 Manokwari ahead of schedule. The Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education assured that all physical infrastructure construction for new schools adheres to the principles of good governance and clean governance as per President Prabowo Subianto’s directives. ‘Last year, all projects were completed before the target deadline,’ said Minister of Basic and Secondary Education Abdul Mu’ti.