Efforts to restore educational facilities in West Sumatra, Indonesia, continue months after devastating floods impacted the region in November of last year. The Indonesian Army’s XX/Tuanku Imam Bonjol Military Command is currently engaged in cleanup and revitalization work at multiple schools and Islamic boarding schools.
Restoring Learning Environments
On Thursday, January 29, soldiers were actively involved in repairs. Work at the Madrasah Tarbiyah Islamiyah (MTI) Paninggahan Islamic Boarding School in Solok District is nearing completion, with personnel reporting that repaired sections are now usable. The final stages of work include painting fences and toilets.
The revitalization efforts encompass a range of tasks, including replacing damaged walls and doors, repainting buildings, repairing electrical systems, and removing debris such as sand, soil, and rocks. Military personnel are also focused on cleaning school yards and improving drainage systems to create safer learning environments.
Multiple Locations Targeted
Beyond the MTI Paninggahan Islamic Boarding School, cleanup and repair work is underway at Maninjau 1 State Junior High School in Agam District, with assistance from local residents. Similar activities have also been reported at Bancah 09 Elementary School in Jorong Bancah, Nagari Maninjau, Agam District.
The government has stated its priority is to enable students to return to normal schooling as quickly as possible. While repairs are ongoing, students and teachers in heavily damaged schools are currently utilizing tents for classes. The government is also implementing adaptive and flexible learning schemes to minimize disruption to education.
Related reports indicate that students are already learning in emergency tents following wall collapses, and that plans are in place to normalize nine rivers in the region to mitigate future flood risks. Indonesia has also allocated resources for broader disaster recovery efforts in West Sumatra.
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of damage are the schools experiencing?
The schools have experienced damage requiring repairs to walls, doors, electrical installations, and drainage systems. Debris such as sand, soil, and rocks also needed to be removed.
Who is involved in the cleanup efforts?
Soldiers from the XX/Tuanku Imam Bonjol Military Command are leading the cleanup and revitalization work, with assistance from local residents at some locations.
What is being done for students while schools are being repaired?
Students and teachers from heavily damaged schools are holding classes in tents, and the government is implementing adaptive and flexible learning schemes.
As recovery efforts continue, will the pace of repairs be sufficient to minimize long-term disruption to students’ education?
