Students brave the elements at run-down state schools

JAKARTA (JP): Studying is more than just a mental chore for 113,600 elementary school students.

They also have to deal with leaking roofs, cracked walls and doors hanging off their hinges at their 284 aging state schools, a city education and teaching agency official said on Wednesday.

Abdul Somad described 60 of the buildings as on the verge of collapse.

Several of the buildings date back to 1965 and their roofs are structurally unsound.

"In the case of the other 224 buildings, the roofs, walls and doors are in dire need of immediate repair," Abdul, head of the school building maintenance division, told The Jakarta Post.

The coming of the rainy season worsens the problems. Frazzled students have to prepare for rain seeping through the roofs and cracks spreading across the walls.

Fearing the worst, principals of several of the 60 most run- down schools have decided to "temporarily" move their students to nearby institutions, he added.

"The problem is that most of the buildings are already at least 20 years old."

The capital is home to 1,718 state elementary schools.

Renovations would cost the city dearly, to the tune of between Rp 1.5 billion and Rp 4 billion, depending on the severity of problems, Abdul said.

As an alternative funding source, the agency is urging wealthy Jakartans to help finance the repairs to allow students to study in comfort, he added.

The agency submitted on Monday a proposal to the city administration for extra renovation funds to refurbish tens of school buildings categorized in severe disrepair.

"We are sincerely aware that in such a time of hardship, the administration may not have adequate funds.

"Therefore, it is our wish that at the very least the capital's residents will be willing to help us deal with this unfavorable situation."

Among the schools is Lubang Buaya SD 03/15 in East Jakarta. As the building's condition worsened from day to day, worried school authorities finally asked the 400 students to move to nearby Lubang Buaya SD 12/20.

It was a concern shared by parents.

"I used to worry about the safety of my daughter at the school. Imagine if the roof fell on her," said a housewife.

City councilor Sylviana Murni acknowledged renovations of the schools must be undertaken soon, but said creating a conducive study environment should be a collective responsibility.

"Education is the responsibility not only of the administration, but also of parents and teachers alike," Sylviana said.

"Taking into consideration the condition of our economy today, members of parent teacher associations in every school should pitch in. However, I emphasize this should be done voluntarily." (ylt)