Regarding The Pelemic Of Chinese Pondok Elementary School 1, Coordinating Minister For Human Development And Culture: Relocation Must Be Representative

Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Culture (Menko PMK) Muhadjir Effendy. PHOTO ANTARA/Wuryanti Puspitasari.

Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Culture (Menko PMK) Muhadjir Effendy gave an important note on the polemic of the eviction of the Pondok Cina State Elementary School 1 whose land will be built by a large mosque.

Now, Depok Mayor Mohammad Idris has decided to postpone the eviction to relocate SDN Pocin 1. Muhadjir admitted that he had advised the Depok City Government that the construction of SDN Pocin 1 which would be relocated must be similar to the old school.

"I have asked the City Government not to build a mosque in that place before there is certainty that the children and residents have received the relocation. The allocation must be representative, at least not the same as before. Thank God it can be in more condition," Muhadjir told reporters, Saturday, December 17.

Muhadjir revealed that the determination of the location for the transfer of SDN Pocin 1 to be evicted will begin to be realized in early 2023.

On that occasion, Muhadjir also reminded West Java Governor Ridwan Kamil to intervene to resolve the polemic of relocation of SDN Pocin 1 which drew protests from parents of students.

Bearing in mind, the plan to build a mosque located on the land of SDN Pocin 1, comes from the West Java Provincial Government grant. "The Provincial Government (West Java) must also take responsibility," he said.

Muhadjir also views that the existence of mosques or schools cannot be compared in terms of urgency. This is because places of worship and educational facilities are equally important for the community.

"It is very inappropriate for us to want the abolition of the school for the sake of places of worship because the two of them are very urgent. In fact, education is more important. Where can worship be," said Muhadjir.

"Yesterday, I asked the City Government, Mr. Wali (Idris), there should be no transfer of students from that place. There should be no construction of a mosque in that place before the children are confirmed that they can study as before," he added.

Previously, the Depok City Government officially decided to postpone the relocation of students at SDN Pondok Cina 1. The city government granted the aspirations of some parents who wanted a delay in relocation.

"The continuity of education for our students is a top priority for the Depok City Government. Education is a bridge for our children to achieve the future," said Deputy Mayor of Depok, Imam Budi Hartono, in a post on his social media, Thursday, December 15.

The Depok City Government has decided to postpone the relocation of students of SDN Pondok Cina 1. In addition, his party will also facilitate all teaching and learning activities at that location.

Not only that, according to the aspirations of parents and residents of Pondok Cina, the Depok City Government will also build 34 Depok State Junior High School in the Pondok Cina area. It is planned that the State Junior High School can operate in the new school year 2023-2024.

"Hopefully the construction of SMP Negeri 34 can provide good news for all," said Imam as quoted from the city government's official website.

He also apologized to his parents and students who were disturbed by his teaching and learning activities. Which is caused by the dynamics that occur.

"I apologize to my parents, students, our children who have been waiting for their learning activities due to the dynamics that have occurred recently," he said.