Jakarta (ANTARA) - Indonesia’s Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education is revising its 2026 budget to accelerate recovery of schools disrupted by floods and landslides across Aceh, North Sumatra, and West Sumatra.“To normalize teaching and learning, we are reallocating funds through a Dispensation for Budget Reallocation, per Ministerial Letter No. 28189/MDM.A/PR.07.04/2025,” Education Minister Abdul Mu’ti said in a virtual meeting with Parliament’s Commission X on Monday.
The reassigned funds will cover special allowances for teachers and support emergency schools in disaster-affected areas, Mu’ti said. Budget sources include the Secretariat General and the Directorate General of Vocational, Special, and Non-formal Education (PKPLK).
The Secretariat General will contribute Rp50.5 billion (US$3 million), reallocating funds from the Center for Education Financing, Data and Technology, and National Achievement. PKPLK will reassign Rp3.03 billion (US$181,000) from its Vocational High Schools, Courses and Training, and Non-formal Education directorates, the minister said.
“This step ensures emergency funds can be mobilized quickly based on actual field needs,” Mu’ti added.
Baca juga: Sumatra floods: Indonesian govt to speed up housing relocation
An additional Rp21.1 billion (US$1.3 million) has been allocated to support ongoing disaster response across affected districts and cities. Funds will be used to erect tents and emergency classrooms, provide school supplies, clear debris from damaged schools, and cover aid distribution costs.
Baca juga: Indonesia uses storytelling toaid children Sumatra floods
The ministry will also deploy psychosocial services to help students and teachers cope with trauma caused by the floods and landslides. Mu’ti emphasized that budget flexibility is critical for timely interventions in disaster zones, noting that delayed allocation could disrupt both education recovery and broader community support efforts.
He said the ministry is coordinating with local governments and disaster response agencies to prioritize areas with the highest need and ensure resources reach isolated communities efficiently. The education sector in Sumatra has faced widespread disruptions, with hundreds of schools damaged and thousands of students displaced, highlighting the urgency of rapid funding reallocation for emergency measures.
