Rebuilding Dreams Through School Revitalisation
Success in recovery is not measured solely by how many buildings are rebuilt.
Jakarta (ANTARA) - The floods and landslides that struck several regions in Aceh, North Sumatra, and West Sumatra in late 2025 left behind more than just damaged houses, severed roads, and dried mud. Behind the somber atmosphere following the receding waters, schools also presented a heartbreaking sight: cluttered classrooms, submerged desks and chairs, soaked books, and learning equipment that was no longer usable.
No fewer than 4,922 educational units in Aceh, North Sumatra, and West Sumatra were impacted by the sweep of water and mud last year. Some classrooms were filled with mud, some buildings lost parts of their roofs, and some schools were left with almost no safe space for learning.
SD Negeri Sekumur was even swept away by flash floods, while the roof of SD Negeri 1 Babo collapsed and SD Negeri Alur Jambu was covered in thick mud. In West Aceh, approximately 50 students from SD Negeri Alue Lhok, Pante Ceureumen District, once spent their school days inside emergency tents. Under tarpaulin roofs, teachers continued to strive to enliven the learning atmosphere, while children attempted to refocus amidst the lingering anxiety caused by the disaster.
From these makeshift spaces, teachers and students have slowly reorganised routines that were once shattered—a small step towards restoring a sense of safety, comfort, and the hope that their schools will one day return to their former state, or even become better.
This scene is gradually changing in several schools that have received revitalisation. Classrooms that were previously damp, damaged, and uncomfortable are beginning to be filled once again with the voices of teachers and students. Desks and chairs have been rearranged, learning facilities have returned, and children are slowly reclaiming the spaces that have long been an essential part of their dreams.
For them, rebuilt schools are not merely new structures, but places to restore dreams that were interrupted by disaster.
Khayla Syakira, a student at SMP Negeri 1 Mila, Pidie Regency, Aceh, is one of the children experiencing this change. Following the revitalisation, she has experienced a much better learning environment. Furthermore, the addition of a prayer room (mushala) has made school activities feel complete again, as students can now perform prayers together after their lessons.
“After the renovation, our learning space is much better. We also now have a prayer room and can perform the Zuhr prayer in congregation every day,” said Khayla.