Natuna Regent: 'One-Roof School' a Solution for Education Equality

The Regent of Natuna, Riau Islands Province, Cen Sui Lan, believes that the ‘Single-Roof School’ concept could serve as a solution for achieving educational equality in remote areas or regions with minimal populations.

Speaking in Natuna on Sunday, Cen Sui Lan explained that a Single-Roof School is an educational delivery model that integrates two levels of education, such as primary school (SD) and junior high school (SMP), within a single location under integrated management.

“We are prioritising single-roof schools for areas with small populations,” she stated.

According to the Regent, implementing this model would allow the government to save on the costs of constructing school buildings and providing other supporting facilities and infrastructure.

Currently, Selaut Village only has one primary school, SD Negeri 007 Selaut, with the number of students in each study group not reaching 10. The village also lacks a junior high school (SLTP).

As a result, every student graduating from SD Negeri 007 Selaut must continue their education in other areas, involving a sea journey of more than 30 minutes by speedboat.

“The number of students at SD Negeri Selaut is also not large; perhaps not even six students per class,” she said.

She explained that for the 2026/2027 academic year, the Natuna Regency Government plans to open a junior high school unit in Selaut Village by temporarily utilising the SD Negeri 007 Selaut building until further policies are established.

“We are concerned that after children complete their basic education, they move away with their families. If this continues, eventually this village could become empty,” said Cen Sui Lan.