Proper school buildings needed

TANGERANG (JP): At least 3,000 students from 56 state elementary schools are putting their lives at risk while studying in badly damaged school buildings, an official said over the weekend.

Head of the Tangerang regency's Education and Culture Office, Mochamad Basyari, said the walls of the buildings were badly cracked and needed major repairs which would cost some Rp 7 billion (US$1 million).

"I've proposed that the funds come from the regency budget and the West Java administration for the renovation of the buildings. But the funds haven't come through yet," Basyari said.

He was afraid for the teenage students studying in the schools and concerned that the students' teaching-learning process would be disrupted.

According to data from his office, the regency has 980 elementary school buildings, 56 of which are seriously damaged and require immediate renovation.

A total of 488 school buildings also have minor damage and therefore also need repair.

The 565 badly damaged buildings are mostly located in slum areas, such as Mauk, Kresek, Kronjo, Pakuhaji, Balaradja, Legok, Tigaraksa and Cisoka.

Basyari said many students had to study in inappropriate sites since their schools were damaged.

He cited an example that at least 100 students of an elementary school in Mauk currently study in their principal's official residence since their three classrooms had collapsed.

"Many of the students have to stand up in the house since there is not enough chairs," he said.

He said funds had been raised by students' parents for the renovation of some buildings.

"But the temporary renovation was not enough," he added. (41/jun)