Under the program, the ministry allocated Rp 20.1 billion (US$1.1 million) this year to renovate school buildings and build new classrooms and other facilities, such as libraries and laboratories, in 34 schools in Sorong regency and five schools in Sorong city. Last year, the central government allocated Rp 26.9 billion to renovate 27 schools across the two regions.

Focusing on underdeveloped regions, the program aims to ensure that children in Papua have equal learning opportunities, while also contributing to the local economy by recruiting local partners and workers.

“We hope not only to improve schools but also boost the local economy, and to work together in advancing education in our country,” Elementary and Secondary Education Minister Abdul Mu'ti said on Tuesday during his visit to Sorong, as quoted from a press release.

Schools receiving the aid described the renovation push as a way to improve education quality across Papua, which remains one of the poorest regions in Indonesia.

“We hope that the soon-to-be built classrooms can be a source of motivation for schoolchildren and teachers [in improving the quality of learning and teaching],” said Alfina Lewerissa, principal of state elementary school SDN 21 in Sorong.

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Last year, the government had started renovating more than 16,000 schools, exceeding the initial target of 10,000, with a budget of Rp 16.9 trillion.

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