STRAIGHTTIME.ASIA, INDONESIA – The Riau Islands (Kepri) Provincial Government continues to accelerate the development of the People’s School (Sekolah Rakyat), one of Indonesia’s national priority education programs.
The province’s commitment was demonstrated by Kepri Deputy Governor Nyanyang Haris Pratamura, who personally inspected the proposed construction site in Bintan Buyu, Teluk Bintan District, Bintan Regency, on Monday (June 22, 2026), despite rainy weather.
During the visit, Nyanyang was accompanied by several heads of regional government agencies (OPDs), technical officials, and representatives from related institutions. The inspection focused on assessing the readiness of the land while identifying any remaining technical and administrative issues that must be resolved before construction begins.
The proposed site covers approximately 9 hectares and is considered highly strategic. The land already has a clear legal ownership status and official certification, allowing the project to proceed to the next phase.
“The land is ready and fully certified. This is an important first step. However, we cannot afford to be complacent because many other regions are competing to secure this program,” Nyanyang said during the inspection.
The Deputy Governor stressed that all administrative requirements must be completed within a short timeframe. He set a target for all supporting documents—including permits and technical assessments—to be finalized no later than mid-July 2026.
According to him, accelerating the preparation process is essential because the People’s School initiative is one of the central government’s flagship national programs, with hundreds of regions across Indonesia competing for approval.
“More than 400 regencies and cities have submitted proposals for this program. We must be fully prepared. If we move too slowly, the opportunity could be awarded to another region,” he emphasized.
Nyanyang also instructed provincial and regency government agencies to maintain intensive weekly coordination to ensure there are no significant obstacles during the preparation stage.
Tender Scheduled for October, Construction Expected in Early 2027
Based on discussions held during the site inspection, the project tender process is expected to begin in October 2026. Physical construction is projected to commence in February or March 2027.
To meet the timeline, several technical preparations must be completed promptly, including the final building design, land adjustments, and site clearing.
Close coordination with Indonesia’s Ministry of Public Works and Public Housing (PUPR) will also be essential, particularly regarding technical design standards and construction specifications.
Officials noted several technical challenges that still require attention, including the pending final design from the central government and the need to align the project with the Regional Detailed Spatial Plan (RDTR).
Environmental compliance also remains a key priority. The Environmental Impact Assessment (AMDAL) is currently being prepared, although several supporting documents, including the Spatial Utilization Activity Suitability Approval (PKKPR), have already been issued.
Another important aspect under review is the availability of a reliable clean water supply to support future school operations.
“Environmental documentation must be completed to ensure the project does not create problems in the future,” one technical representative stated during the field meeting.
The People’s School program is part of a national initiative led by Indonesia’s Ministry of Social Affairs. Representatives from the provincial Social Affairs Office said the ministry has instructed participating regions to complete all preparations as quickly as possible.
In the future, the People’s School concept is expected to evolve into a model institution that not only delivers formal education but also emphasizes character building and leadership development. (Iman Suryanto)
