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Jakarta, January 30, 2026 – The Indonesian Army is continuing its efforts to rebuild schools and Islamic boarding schools in West Sumatra, areas devastated by flooding last November. It’s a reminder that even as the world focuses on other crises, the long tail of disaster recovery can stretch for months, impacting education and daily life.
Restoring Classrooms: Army Assists West Sumatra Schools
Soldiers are working to repair damage and create safe learning environments for students displaced by last year’s floods.
- The XX/Tuanku Imam Bonjol Military Command began cleanup and revitalization work on Thursday,January 29.
- Repairs include fixing walls, doors, electrical systems, and removing debris.
- Students are currently attending classes in temporary tents while repairs are underway.
- The government has allocated 18.3 trillion Rupiah for overall disaster recovery in West Sumatra.
What’s the status of schools impacted by the West Sumatra floods? The Indonesian army is actively involved in repairs, focusing on facilities like the Madrasah Tarbiyah Islamiyah (MTI) Paninggahan Islamic Boarding School in Solok District and Maninjau 1 State Junior High School in Agam District.
Personnel involved in the renovations at MTI Paninggahan reported on Friday that the Islamic boarding school is nearing completion. “Several damaged parts of the Islamic boarding school are now ready to use. We are currently in the final stages of painting the fences and toilets,” one soldier stated.
The work isn’t just cosmetic. Teams are replacing damaged walls and doors, repairing electrical installations, and clearing away the remnants of the disaster – sand, soil, and rocks. Schoolyards and drainage systems are also being cleaned to ensure a safer and more comfortable learning environment.
The government has prioritized the revitalization of educational facilities, recognizing the importance of getting children back to school. For those schools still too damaged for regular classes, students and teachers are utilizing tents as temporary classrooms. Alongside the physical repairs, adaptive and flexible learning schemes are being implemented to minimize disruption to education.
Related efforts include plans to normalize nine rivers in west Sumatra to prevent future flooding, and a broader disaster recovery package totaling 18.3 trillion Rupiah.