Official laments schools' poor state

BANDUNG: At least 49 percent of some 50,000 elementary schools in West Java are in poor condition, the provincial chief of the Elementary Education Agency, Hasymi Romly, said on Wednesday.

"Most buildings were damaged due to previous natural disasters, such as landslides, floods and earthquakes in several areas of Ciamis, Tasikmalaya, Sukabumi and Pandeglang regencies.

"We don't have room in the budget to repair the schools, so we are asking the Ministry of National Education to help us," Hasymi said.

Previously, the agency received funds from the Social Safety Net (JPS) program, he said.

"But we were told that the JPS has been revoked and the ministry only has Rp 35 billion for a school maintenance fund. We hope other private sectors are willing to help us on this," Hasymi added. (25/edt)