TEMPO.CO, Palembang -The Mayor of Palembang, Ratu Dewa, said 35 percent of elementary schools (SD) in the region suffered mild to severe damage. “And 30 percent of junior high schools are damaged,” said Ratu Dewa on Thursday, March 6, 2025.

One of the severely damaged schools is the State Elementary School (SDN) 143 in the Gandus District. "The ceiling, field conditions, toilets, and other facilities at this school are deplorable," said Ratu Dewa. 

The mayor said the building must be renovated in whole, including the surroundings of the school, as it’s near a ditch. "I have requested the related department, namely the public works and housing, to improve the ditch flow, as it could become a source of disease for the children," he said.

Ratu has assigned the Palembang City Education Department to manage and clean all improper facilities, such as the dirty toilets.

"I asked the education department to clean it up. The doors were almost collapsing, not to mention the egregious amount of trash. Make sure that when I come back here, everything is clear," he said.

He also requested that the education department inspect the condition of every school in the South Sumatran city. The head of the education department, he said, must ensure that all school facilities support students' learning activities.

"In short, the head of the education department must visit all of the educational institutions here, including kindergartens, preschools, elementary schools, and junior high schools. Don't just sit around at the office, make sure to inspect all schools in Palembang," said Ratu Dewa.

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