Ministry: Once-leaky classrooms now provide comfortable learning

Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education (Kemendikdasmen) stated that improvements made through a school revitalisation programme have made the learning process for students in the Nias Islands, North Sumatra Province, more comfortable. The programme has brought tangible changes to daily school life, from more comfortable classrooms and better sanitation facilities to a school environment that supports student growth and development.

Minister of Primary and Secondary Education Abdul Mu’ti said in a written statement in Jakarta on Sunday that 18 educational units received revitalisation assistance for the 2025 fiscal year, with a total budget of IDR 14.23 billion. The assistance, he said, covers one early childhood education unit, seven primary schools, four junior high schools, four senior high schools, one vocational school, and one Community Learning Activity Centre.

The head of SD Negeri 076698 Hilizaro Ogamuli Geyam described the school’s condition before the revitalisation. At that time, the school did not have a School Health Unit (UKS) or adequate sanitation facilities for teachers and students. “Our school previously did not have a UKS. Now we have one, complete with furniture. The toilets, which previously only had two cubicles, now have six,” said Ogamuli. According to him, the improved facilities have created a healthier school environment and support the teaching and learning process.

A teacher at the school, Ester Zunia, said the revitalisation has increased the students’ learning comfort. “After the revitalisation, the children’s learning conditions are much more enthusiastic. Previously, they would get hot and rainwater would enter the classroom. Now, the children can be calm even during heavy rain,” she said.

Appreciation for the revitalisation programme was also expressed by the Mayor of Gunungsitoli, Sowa’a Laoli. He said that support from the central government is an important part of efforts to improve the quality of education in the regions. “The Gunungsitoli city government is fully committed to consistently supporting and ensuring the success of central government strategic programmes in the education sector,” he said.