He noted that the government is currently continuing its school cleanup and repair efforts. The government has allocated a budget of up to Rp20 million (approximately US$1,191) per school for cleanup efforts, depending on the condition of the facilities.
In a press conference in Jakarta on Monday, he outlined that there were 2,303 affected schools in Aceh, 1,773 of which have been restored. Meanwhile, 516 schools are still in the cleanup process.
"However, in Aceh, several schools are severely damaged and will not be ready in time for learning on January 14, 2026. Therefore, 14 tents have been prepared," he remarked.
The minister emphasized that the learning process will continue, although the facilities used will vary.
"The Minister of Primary and Secondary Education has ensured that even in tents, the teaching and learning process will be carried out as effectively as possible," he said.
He further said that in West Sumatra, 500 schools were affected, and of the total, 431 schools have had their facilities repaired and are ready to resume classes.
"There are 21 schools that still carry out learning in tents. Nevertheless, the acceleration process is continued," he added.
As for North Sumatra, of the total 981 affected schools, 933 have been restored, while 29 others are still undergoing cleanup.
"However, it is impossible for 19 schools to be ready by January 5, so the learning process still needs to be carried out in tents," Pratikno remarked.
To ensure learning continues, the local governments have also utilized other facilities. For instance, in Padang, West Sumatra, community health centers have been used as places for learning without reducing the services provided.
The minister reported that in total, there were around 3,700 affected schools in the three provinces, with around 3,100 of them severely damaged. So far, 587 schools are still in the cleanup process, which is targeted for completion by January 4, 2026.
However, he noted that 54 schools will likely still need to carry out learning in tents.
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Translator: Lintang Budiyanti, Raka Adji
Editor: Azis Kurmala
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