Mu'ti made the remarks while leading a ceremony at State Vocational High School SMKN 4 Kejuruan Muda in Aceh Tamiang, which symbolically marked the resumption of school activities following the disaster.
“Disasters shape us, pushing us to become stronger, more patient and more creative,” Mu'ti said in a statement.
He described the first day back at school as a powerful moment that reflected students’ resilience and determination to rise after hardship.
According to the minister, while disasters inevitably bring loss and disruption, they must not extinguish children’s hopes and dreams for the future.
He urged students, teachers and school staff to remain grateful and optimistic, even as recovery efforts are still under way in several districts.
Education, Mu'ti stressed, must continue under any circumstances, because the desire to learn goes beyond physical limitations and emergency conditions.
“Children are the hope of Indonesia’s future. Never stop pursuing your dreams and never lose hope. Limitations must not weaken the determination to keep learning and improving,” he said.
The minister also praised the Aceh provincial government, the Aceh Tamiang district administration, teachers, education workers and local communities for their role in restoring school activities.
He said the government’s presence on the first day of school demonstrated its commitment to protecting the right to education, particularly in post-disaster situations.
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To support the recovery process, the ministry has continued repairs to damaged school facilities across affected areas.
Schools that suffered damage have been prioritized for revitalization assistance, including classroom rehabilitation and the replacement of furniture to ensure safe and comfortable learning spaces.
Mu'ti said the government would also guarantee sustainable funding for school recovery through programs such as the 2026 Educational Unit Revitalization Program.
He expressed hope that these initiatives would significantly improve learning facilities and help students pursue their educational goals without interruption.
“Education recovery is not only about reopening schools, but about ensuring children can learn again with confidence, enthusiasm and optimism,” Mu'ti said.
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Translator: Hana Dewi Kinarina Kaban, Mecca Yumna
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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