North Sumatra Receives USD50.9 Million for School Revitalization Program

Medan: North Sumatra Province has received Rp852 billion, or approximately USD50.9 million, in central government funding to support a school revitalization program targeting 897 schools, Minister of Primary and Secondary Education Abdul Mu'ti said.

“Nationally, the school revitalization budget reaches Rp16.9 trillion, or around USD1 billion, covering 16,000 schools. We hope this assistance, including digital interactive boards in North Sumatra, can be utilized optimally as soon as possible,” Abdul Mu'ti said on Sunday, as quoted from Antara, Monday, January 5, 2026.

He said the program supports President Prabowo Subianto’s fourth Asta Cita priority, which focuses on strengthening human resources, science and technology, education, public health, sports achievements, gender equality, and the roles of women, youth, and persons with disabilities.

In North Sumatra, the revitalization program will cover 34 early childhood education units, 400 elementary schools, 240 junior high schools, 119 senior high schools, 88 vocational schools, 11 special schools, and five community learning activity centers.

“For the education digitalization program in North Sumatra, a total of 1,778 digital interactive boards have been distributed to support modern learning methods starting in the second semester of 2026,” the minister said.

Meanwhile, North Sumatra Governor Bobby Nasution said the provincial government continues to prioritize education as a key driver of regional development.

“Among other initiatives, a free school program will be implemented in the Nias Islands and disaster-affected areas starting in 2026,” Nasution said.

According to official data, floods and landslides have affected 50 senior high schools and vocational schools in North Sumatra. While two schools are not yet operating at full capacity due to severe damage, recovery efforts are ongoing, he added.