Educational Facilities Affected By Bantul Earthquakes Must Be Priority Improvements

Bantul Regency Regional Disaster Management Agency Office, Yogyakarta Special Region. ANTARA/Hery Sidik

JAKARTA - The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Puan Maharani, emphasized the importance of post-earthquake recovery and reconstruction efforts in the Special Region of Yogyakarta (DIY). He requested that infrastructure improvements be damaged due to the earthquake centered in Bantul Regency be not prolonged.

"Local governments need to form a special team to coordinate and accelerate the process of improving infrastructure after the earthquake. So, community activities can resume normal," said Puan, Monday, July 3.

Based on data from the DIY Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD), it is known that one person died as a result of the earthquake. A number of residents were injured. Puan asked the Government to give serious treatment to victims.

According to the DIY BPBD report, the number of buildings that were lightly damaged by the earthquake in Yogyakarta reached 102 units. Meanwhile, there are 4 units that were damaged.

Meanwhile, in the Gunung Kidul area, a total of 58 housing units suffered minor damage, in Bantul 31 housing units, Kulon Progo 16 housing units and Sleman 1 housing unit. A number of public facilities ranging from office buildings, places of worship, business facilities, educational facilities to health were also affected by the earthquake.

The 6.4 magnitude earthquake that occurred last weekend was not only felt by DIY residents, but also residents of Central Java and East Java. Based on information, 102 housing units in Central Java were damaged, with details of 88 houses being lightly damaged, 13 housing units being moderately damaged and 1 housing unit being heavily damaged.

Not only in DIY and Central Java, but the Bantul earthquake also damaged a number of houses and public facilities in East Java, such as in Pacitan Regency. A number of residents are also still displaced due to the damage to their houses, as well as due to trauma and fear of aftershocks.

"The government must ensure that there are effective and targeted improvement programs, as well as ensure that aid funds are available to restore affected areas," explained Puan.

"Rehabilitation for damaged houses and public facilities must be ensured to meet the standards of earthquake-resistant buildings considering that the DIY, Central Java, and East Java areas are earthquake-prone areas," continued the first woman to serve as Chair of the DPR RI,

Puan also asked the government's attention for the displaced victims. He said the government must ensure the availability of proper and safe evacuation tents, as well as with adequate sanitation facilities.

"Victims who are forced to flee in tents because their houses are damaged have to face difficult living conditions in the midst of unstable conditions. Food, clean water, and health services must continue to be given to the refugees," said Puan

"Refuges must also be comfortable and child-friendly as well as the elderly and pregnant/admitting mothers. All needs of the people affected by the earthquake must be met as well as possible," he continued.

Puan also emphasized the need for immediate improvement to educational facilities affected by the earthquake. Moreover, schools will soon enter the new school year so that repairing damaged educational facilities must be a priority so as not to interfere with the teaching and learning process.

"The rehabilitation of schools damaged by disasters must be a priority because the continuity of education is a mandate of the law to educate the nation's life fairly, in this case including education in disaster areas," explained Puan.

If the improvement of educational facilities has not been completed when the school has started its new school year, the former Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Culture asks the Government to prepare a proper replacement place. That way, said Puan, students can still study comfortably.

"It is impossible for teaching and learning activities to be postponed for uncertain periods of time, there is a target for testing times and curriculum completion. Do not let them study at locations that are of a level and uncomfortable," he said.

As a result of this Bantul earthquake, several educational facilities were heavily damaged, at least 1 junior high school and 2 vocational schools in Wonogiri Regency. The Bantul earthquake also damaged 2 school buildings in Pacitan.

Puan reminded that Education is the foundation for building the nation's future, and has been mandated by the 1945 Constitution to continue to fight for. Therefore, he encouraged all stakeholders to support it by trying to create a conducive and supportive learning atmosphere, even in disaster areas.

"Don't let our children find it increasingly difficult to bear the burden of the impact of the disaster. Their right to education must be given optimally. Including preparing students' study needs whose houses were damaged by the earthquake," said Puan.

On the other hand, the DPR also encourages the Regional Government to intervene to provide assistance to families affected by the earthquake. Puan reminded the importance of disaster response quickly to the community, especially those living in refugee tents.

"The Regional Government must immediately take action to help those affected and ensure their basic needs are met," said Bung Karno's grandson.

Meanwhile, for earthquake victims whose houses suffered minor damage, Puan asked the government to continue to monitor so that unwanted things do not happen. Because there are several houses that have cracked due to the earthquake.

"The government needs to provide medical assistance and evacuation if necessary, as well as ensure access to clean water, food, and other necessities. Citizen safety must be the main thing," concluded Puan.