TEACHERS DEPLORE DEMOLITION OF SCHOOLS IN FRONT OF CHILDREN

Authorities dismantle the Tunas Bina early childhood education school in Tamansari, West Jakarta, on Oct. 18. The school building was reportedly dismantled as part of the capital's Kota Tua revitalization program. (kompas.com/Rima Wahyuningrum) 

 

 

Teachers of early childhood education school Tunas Bina in Tamansari, West Jakarta, have deplored the sudden demolition of the school building by Public Order Agency personnel and city officials on Wednesday.

One of the teachers, Heni Suhaeni, said the administrations of West Jakarta and Tamansari district had announced the plan to demolish old buildings in the area in May to welcome the 2018 Asian Games. 

“The teachers supported the plan, but they asked the administration to look for a new place for them,” Heni said on Friday.

They also asked the administration not to move them during the Ramadan season.

The teachers and students were surprised that the officials decided to demolish the building on Wednesday without giving them prior notice.

"Why didn't they execute the plan when we were relocated to the mosque? Why was it held during school hours? I would've asked the students not to come to school if I had known the building would be demolished," Heni said as quoted by kompas.com.

The children have been temporarily relocated to Al-Ikhlas Mosque, located within the Tamansari district office complex.

The district administration is set to build a replacement school on vacant land in the area. 
"We are grateful that the children have a place to study," Heni said.

Meanwhile, Jakarta Governor Anies Baswedan announced on Thursday that he had removed Firman Ibrahim from his position as Tamansari district head because of the incident.