School Renovations Must Be Matched by Better Education Quality, Legislator Says

Jakarta City Council (DPRD) Commission E member Zahrina Nurbaiti welcomed the full renovation of 16 of 19 school buildings in Jakarta during the 2025 fiscal year, with Rp876.7 billion allocated for the work.

Improving not only school facilities but also the quality of teaching and learning

She also called for the completion of the remaining three school buildings, which are still under construction, to ensure all work is finished on time.

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Zahrina said school renovations should bring tangible benefits to students by improving not only school facilities but also the quality of teaching and learning.

"Most importantly, we must ensure that these schools do not become grand and aesthetically pleasing buildings while the quality of teaching and learning inside remains stagnant," Zahrina said on Monday (10/12).

She stressed that school construction and renovation, from kindergarten to senior and vocational high school, as well as the development of new school units (USB), should be used as an opportunity to improve education quality, not just school facilities.

According to Zahrina, safe and comfortable school buildings must be supported by competent teachers, adaptive teaching methods, and an inclusive educational environment free from violence and bullying.

She also urged the Jakarta Education Agency to use the upgraded facilities as an opportunity to assess and improve teachers' competencies. Strengthening laboratory facilities, making use of digital technology, and ensuring the long-term maintenance of school buildings should also be priorities.

"We want these grand public school buildings to help nurture a generation of outstanding Jakarta residents who can compete on the global stage. Improvements to school facilities must be matched by improvements in teaching quality," she said.