Ervana Trikarinaputri, Jakarta – Indonesia's Minister of Elementary and Secondary Education Abdul Mu'ti revealed that nearly 3,000 schools were damaged by ecological disasters across Aceh, North Sumatra, and West Sumatra.
The figure comes from data collected by the Ministry of Education and Culture as of December 7, 2025.
"The current data shows around 2,900 affected schools.
However, this is still a progressive figure, as not all areas have been accessible," Mu'ti told reporters at the House of Representatives in Senayan, Jakarta, on Monday, December 8, 2025.
The ministry continues to monitor the situation, tracking not only the number of damaged schools but also the number of affected students and teachers. Officials are also preparing measures to support learning in areas hit by floods and landslides.
Impact on students and learning
After the disasters struck last November, teaching and learning schedules in the three provinces were disrupted. Normally, students would be taking end-of-semester exams at this time.
"For those unable to attend school, exams will not be held," Mu'ti said.
However, some schools adapted by holding online exams or visiting students at home. In certain cases, lessons were conducted in temporary locations, such as mosques or other available buildings, with teachers providing direct instruction.
On November 28, 2025, Deputy Minister of Elementary and Secondary Education Atip Latipulhayat confirmed that teaching activities were still ongoing in affected areas. Atip encouraged schools to temporarily relocate students to unaffected schools to continue their studies.
"Teaching and learning activities continue. Those affected can be relocated to the nearest available school," Atip said.
He added that all damaged schools will be prioritized for repairs, ensuring affected facilities are restored as soon as possible.
– Dinda Shabrina contributed to the writing of this article.