Tangerang, private sector to repair schools

Multa Fidrus, The Jakarta Post, Tangerang

An Rp 80 billion (US$8.79 million) allocation from its Rp 205.5 billion education budget was inadequate for the Tangerang administration to renovate 212 damaged schools in the municipality, so it has called upon the private sector to cover the financial shortcoming.

Tangerang is collaborating with private investors through low- interest loans under an installment scheme, with total investment reaching Rp 228 billion.

Tangerang Mayor Wahidin Halim said the combined budget would be enough to renovate the damaged schools this year.

"If we only relied upon the annual budget, the renovation would take three years to finish. By then, some of the schools may have collapsed," he told The Jakarta Post on Thursday.

With the support of private investors, the renovation is projected to be finished by March 2005.

Wahidin said the collaboration scheme with private investors should be followed by other administrations, and that neighboring Tangerang regency was already on the look-out for investors for a similar project.

"Under such a scheme, we can hold on to the budget required for the renovation and spread the planning, supervision and maintenance fees over three years," Wahidin said.

By renovating the schools at the same time, the administration could also save on the price of construction material and workers' wages, which could fluctuate over time.

"If we can finish the renovations at the same time, the schools could be used immediately. Students and teachers no longer need fear that their schools would collapse," he said.

The 212 damaged schools comprise 171 state elementary schools, 15 state junior high schools, 13 senior high schools, 10 Islamic elementary schools and four vocational schools.

Wahidin said if the administration could finish the renovation work next year, it would concentrate on improving teachers' welfare through its 2006 budget.

"In 2006, the education budget will be used to subsidize poor private schools and help them renovate the schools. The following year, we will focus ... on improving teachers' welfare," he said.