Cianjur – Administrations of a dilapidated state elementary school in Gunungmanik village are making pupils wear safety helmets during classes – just in case the roof crumbles in.

"I was gravely concerned that the flimsy school is still being used although the teachers and headmaster know only too well it endangers the pupils' lives," said Iwan Permana, an Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle councillor after visiting the school near the regency capital.

"How can the Cianjur administration turn a blind eye to this problem? The school's fate does not fit with its akhlakul karimah (good deeds) campaign – the refrain about the regency's achievements we constantly hear from officials."

Joni Martin, 40, a teacher at the school, told Antara the headmaster had repeatedly written to the Cianjur regent asking the school buildings be repaired, but to no avail.