Yogyakarta, hitclubapk3 Indonesia
—
FEB UGM Professor R. Agus Sartono proposed program funding
Free Nutritious Meals
(MBG) was partly diverted to repair educational infrastructure affected by the ecological disaster in Sumatra.
Agus, who is also the former Deputy Coordinating Minister for People’s Welfare and PMK for the 2010-2011 period, emphasized that large funding is needed to carry out post-disaster repairs.
For him, it would be wise if MBG funds were focused on disaster-affected areas.Moreover, the capacity to absorb funds for this program as of 2025 is only around IDR 60 trillion.Meanwhile, the budget for free nutritious meals in 2026 is estimated at IDR 375 trillion, which will be taken from the education function budget, 20 percent of the APBN/APBD.
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“I think it would be much wiser if some of it was relocated to restore educational infrastructure first,” said Agus, quoted from the official UGM website, Thursday (11/12).
According to Agus, this kind of step not only reduces the educational gap between regions, but is also a concrete manifestation of the government implementing the mandate of the 1945 Constitution. Moreover, the Constitutional Court has issued MK Decree Number 3/PUU-XXII/2024, which requires the government to make basic education (SD-SMP) free, both in public and private schools.
Agus sees that the biggest challenge in restoring education in affected areas is the length of time it takes to restore adequate educational infrastructure.The construction process can take a minimum of 6 months, or even more.Therefore, he said, ensuring regional budget capacity is necessary.
“It may be that districts or cities and provinces do not have enough funds available. Never mind building due to disasters, many local governments simply cannot afford to repair badly damaged school infrastructure. Here we really need affirmation from the Central Government,” he said.
Agus underlined that educational achievements in the field cannot be equal, considering that the quality and availability of educational infrastructure is still not evenly distributed throughout Indonesia.
He is of the view that online education in conditions like these is not possible.The reason is, apart from cut off access to electricity and communications, the lack of facilities and infrastructure is a consideration.
“It would be wiser if disaster areas were not forced to measure treatment achievements the same as other areas,” he explained.
Not stopping at the aspect of infrastructure recovery, Agus reminded about educational financial assistance to affected students.In situations like this, parents really need cash assistance to meet their needs.
“School students need assistance to procure school clothes and stationery. It would be even better if cash assistance was provided for students for the next six months. It is not enough to just use School KIP alone,” he explained.
Agus also suggested attention for affected teachers or instructors.Counseling assistance will be useful to heal their trauma.Apart from that, teachers must also ensure that their basic needs are met so that they are able to carry out their duties again teaching at school.
Agus advised that from the Sumatra disaster, the government must educate the public about the importance of disaster emergency response.Moreover, BMKG has predicted that rainfall will still be very high in the coming months.Apart from that, the country should have the courage to stop deforestation.
“If this fails to be done, then we will only mourn one disaster followed by another. Hopefully we will all be aware of the importance of sustainable development. Don’t let short-term interests sacrifice the sustainability of future generations,” he concluded.
(kum/gil)
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