DistantNews
Support us
🇮🇩 Indonesia /Elections & Politics

Public Works Minister: 93 People's Schools in Final Completion Stages

From Tempo · () Indonesian

Translated from Indonesian, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Ongoing story
  • The Indonesian government is finalizing the first phase of its "people's school" construction project, with 93 schools targeted.
  • Approximately 10% of these schools are still under construction due to logistical challenges and labor shortages.
  • A second phase is planned, with 102 new schools to be tendered soon, aiming for completion by early 2027.

The Indonesian government is nearing completion of its first phase of "people's school" construction, with 93 schools slated for the project. However, about 10% of these facilities are experiencing delays, primarily due to logistical hurdles and a scarcity of available labor. Public Works Minister Dody Hanggodo noted that roughly nine schools have not yet reached 90% completion.

Nationally, perhaps nine remain. Out of 93, perhaps 10 percent are still below 90 percent progress.

— Dody HanggodoThe Public Works Minister provided an update on the completion status of the 93 targeted schools.

Hanggodo explained that the main obstacles involve the distribution of materials, particularly for schools in remote areas requiring sea transport. "On average, it's because they are far away, logistics. It requires shipping by boat, then the road to get there is difficult. The main thing is logistics," he stated. Additionally, as many schools enter the finishing stages simultaneously, the demand for skilled workers has surged, outstripping the available workforce.

On average, it's because they are far away, logistics. It requires shipping by boat, then the road to get there is difficult. The main thing is logistics.

— Dody HanggodoThe minister explained the primary reasons for construction delays.

Despite these challenges, Hanggodo assured that most of the schools, even those not fully completed, can be utilized for initial learning activities. He inspected the Sragen Integrated People's School, identifying minor repairs needed and emphasizing that construction acceleration should not compromise quality. "What we give to our younger siblings must be first-class, not shoddy goods," he asserted, stressing that these facilities are a form of respect for children from underprivileged families.

When it's the finishing stage, the quantity of workers decreases. Almost all people's schools are in the same phase, the finishing phase.

— Dody HanggodoHanggodo elaborated on the labor shortage issue during the final construction stages.

While the first phase nears its end, the government is already preparing for the next. Plans are underway to tender the construction of 102 new people's schools. The bidding process is expected to commence shortly, with a target completion date set between December 2026 and early 2027. This initiative aims to provide improved educational infrastructure across Indonesia.

What we give to our younger siblings must be first-class, not shoddy goods.

— Dody HanggodoThe minister emphasized the importance of maintaining high quality in the school facilities.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Tempo in Indonesian. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

More Stories

From Our Blog