Central Tapanuli Regency, North Sumatra, August 7, 2026 — The smiles and laughter of children are once again heard at Insani Sorkam Middle School in Central Tapanuli Regency, North Sumatra. After their school facilities were destroyed by flooding in November 2025, students and teachers can now return to teaching and learning activities in newly inaugurated emergency classrooms.
The flood disaster at the end of last year left trauma and severe physical damage at Insani Sorkam Middle School. The entire building was destroyed, and modern learning facilities, such as two digital interactive flat panels (IFPs), were completely submerged.
Insani Sorkam Middle School's religion teacher, Via Sibagariang, explained the school's struggle to ensure children can continue learning despite the limitations. Of the 13 middle school teachers and four kindergarten teachers who serve there, all work together to assist the students. "During the flood last November, our junior high school classrooms were completely destroyed. School facilities and pillars were destroyed. The children were moved to the STM building in front. Now, this emergency room has greatly facilitated teaching and learning activities. Facilities such as tables, chairs, and whiteboards are quite adequate," said Via.
Via also explained that to facilitate access for children whose homes are scattered after the disaster, the school is providing special transportation services. "To get here, the school provides public transportation (angkot) and pedicabs to pick up and drop off the children from the front of the alley," Via explained.
Teaching and learning activities now begin regularly with morning assembly at 7:15 a.m. and end at 11:30 a.m. Inside one of the makeshift classrooms, about 12 seventh-grade students gathered enthusiastically for class.
A friendly atmosphere was evident as several students, like Angelie and Cupti, shared their experiences returning to school. Although the air in the emergency room was sometimes hot as the afternoon approached, it didn't dampen their focus on learning. Interestingly, when asked about their favorite subject, they unanimously chose mathematics.
Not only new classrooms, the arrival of the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) program, distributed every 11:30 a.m. WIB, has become the most anticipated moment for the students. "Studying in the room is comfortable. MBG meals are also delicious, the side dishes vary from chicken, fish, eggs, vegetables, fruit, and even milk," said one 7th grade student, greeted by cheers from his classmates. When asked what would happen if the MBG program were discontinued, the student innocently replied, "I won't be motivated to study anymore, I have to bring lunch from home."
The emotional and joyful moment concluded with a loud outpouring of gratitude from the students of Insani Sorkam Middle School for the government's concern for their educational future. "Thank you, Mr. Prabowo, the Minister, and the Deputy Minister for the emergency classrooms!" the students exclaimed in unison.
The presence of the Deputy Minister of Primary and Secondary Education (Wamendikdasmen), Atip Latipulhayat, at Insani Sorkam Middle School was a source of encouragement for the school community as it recovered from the disaster. On numerous occasions while visiting disaster-affected schools, Atip consistently emphasized that emergencies should not stop the learning process. He stated that emergencies do require adjustments, but the goals of education remain unchanged. "Teachers must adapt their learning to this emergency situation. However, our goal remains the same: to provide quality education for students," he said.
Meanwhile, Muhammad Nuh, a member of the Regional Representative Council (DPD) from North Sumatra, also attended and expressed his appreciation for the government's attention to schools affected by the floods. He expressed his hope that the restoration of educational facilities would continue so that children would have a better place to learn in the future.
Echoing this sentiment, Jeje Zaenuddin, Chairman of PP PERSIS, who accompanied Deputy Minister Atip on the working visit, stated that education is a crucial foundation for preparing the next generation. He believes that collaboration between the government and various parties is the path to providing better education services for Indonesian children. "Education is a major and primary foundation for preparing our children to become superior future generations," said Jeje Zaenuddin.
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