VP: Government prioritises school revitalisation in 3T regions in Ende, NTT

Vice President Gibran Rakabuming has emphasised the government’s commitment to accelerating the revitalisation of schools in disadvantaged, frontier, and outermost (3T) regions during a visit to SD Wolomoni in Niowula Village, Detusoko District, Ende Regency, East Nusa Tenggara. “We are prioritising the 3T areas,” the Vice President stated in Ende, as quoted from an official release by the Vice Presidential Secretariat in Jakarta on Friday. The commitment was made after the Vice President heard first-hand the aspirations of local residents regarding limited school facilities and infrastructure during his working visit on Thursday (18/6). A parent directly voiced concerns about the safety barriers in the children’s learning area. “We request assistance for a school fence because here we still use damar wood and bamboo for the school fence,” the parent told the Vice President. Responding to this, the Vice President confirmed that the school’s needs in the area would be part of the school revitalisation programme launched by President Prabowo Subianto. He added that the proposal for the school would be included in the development agenda. Sofia Ere, Head of SMP Negeri 1 Ndona, stated that government attention through the revitalisation programme is essential to address the real needs of schools in 3T regions. Sofia expressed hope that requirements such as internet networks, boreholes for clean water, school fences, and ICT facilities can be promptly fulfilled through this programme. Echoing this sentiment, Yohanes, Head of SD Wolomoni, said his school is ready to support the digitalisation of learning. However, he acknowledged that limited cellular network and internet access remains a major challenge for both teachers and pupils. Yohanes hopes the revitalisation process can comprehensively address the school’s needs, encompassing ICT facilities, internet networks, and the provision of teachers’ official housing. During the inspection agenda at several schools in Ende Regency, the Vice President was accompanied by Ende Regent Yosef Badeoda and NTT Deputy Governor Johni Asadoma.