Indonesian School in Viral Disrepair Lacks Toilets, Faces Collapse

An elementary school in North Sumatra, Indonesia, has become the subject of viral social media attention due to its severely dilapidated condition. Videos circulating online reveal a building that is "nearly collapsing," with significant damage to its structure.

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Let's look together one by one at the classrooms in this school. We start with the classroom at the far end. The asbestos is already destroyed. The door is gone. This school is still active, still functioning like any other school. The next classroom's door is broken, look at the floor.

The footage highlights broken asbestos roofing, missing classroom doors, and damaged floors. The school, identified as SD Negeri (SDN) 112329 in Labuhanbatu Utara Regency, reportedly still holds classes for around 36 students despite the hazardous state. The school also reportedly lacks a functional toilet, forcing students to use a nearby river.

This dire situation is contrasted with the rapid construction of a nearby free nutritious meal program building. The contrast has fueled public concern and criticism.

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This school does not have a toilet. There is a building, but it is no longer used. If the students need to relieve themselves, they go to the river over there. There is a river behind that oil palm tree.

Sumatra Utara Governor Bobby Nasution acknowledged the viral videos and stated he would investigate the matter. However, he noted that elementary schools primarily fall under the jurisdiction of district and city governments, while the provincial government is responsible for high schools and vocational schools. He emphasized that this was not an attempt to shirk responsibility but a clarification of administrative roles.

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I will ask first, okay? I will ask first.