Students benefit from industry program

CIKARANG, West Java (JP): Some 170 students of Pasir Sari 04 elementary school near the Cikarang Baru industrial estate in Bekasi regency are enjoying newly renovated classrooms thanks to a program funded by industry.

The students' classes had been held in houses in the neighborhood since early last November while reconstruction of their dilapidated school building was carried out.

Unlike many schoolchildren in remote and underdeveloped areas across the country, the Pasir Sari students have been fortunate to live in an industrial community.

A group of companies headed by PT Mattel Jakarta Dua (MJD), an American investment company that produces Barbie dolls and other toys, raised funds and took part in the repair work conducted under the Let's Do Something campaign.

The companies spent Rp 343 million (US$34,300) to build six classrooms, a teacher's room, toilets, and houses for the school principal and guard. The money also paid for furniture.

School principal Sudiyana said that with the government's assistance unlikely, the companies' initiative was enthusiastically welcomed.

"We hope the new school building will boost the spirit of our students to work hard," he said in a ceremony to mark its opening.

Also attending the ceremony was Bekasi regent Wikanda Darmawidjaya.

Director of Primary Education Darmastuti Soetrisno, who represented Minister of National Education Yahya Muhaimin, acknowledged the government's financial shortage and called on other companies to help cash-strapped schools.

MJD president Robert S. Jezak said the Pasir Sari 04 elementary school was the second to have received aid after the Mekar Mukti state elementary school, also in Cikarang. Another school building reconstruction project was being planned, he said. (01)