Medan School Flood Recovery Completed, Learning Activities Normalized

The recovery of SMP Negeri 16 Medan, which suffered severe damage from floods in September 2025, has been completed, and learning activities have returned to normal, according to Indonesia's Minister of Basic and Secondary Education (Mendikdasmen), Abdul Mu'ti. Mu'ti stated that the revitalization of the school building was completed in August 2026, allowing students and teachers to resume face-to-face learning in classrooms. "The revitalization construction for the school affected by the flood was completed on time, in August. Therefore, all learning activities are now 100 percent underway, with no need for online learning anymore," Mu'ti said in a statement on Tuesday (15/9). According to Mu'ti, the recovery of educational units affected by disasters does not stop at building repairs. It also involves creating a comfortable learning environment. "A safe and comfortable learning environment is an important part of ensuring that teachers and students can resume their educational activities without worry," he said. Meanwhile, the Head of UPT SMP Negeri 16 Medan, Taripar Rudi Sihaloho, explained that the revitalization process began in April 2026. During the revitalization, the school building was also elevated. This is expected to prevent future flooding. "The revitalization started in April 2026 and was completed last August. Previously, the school area was low, so it was filled and elevated to prevent it from being affected by floods in the future if there is heavy rain," he said. On another note, Patar Saputra Sihombing, a civic education teacher at UPT SMP Negeri 16 Medan, explained that the flood in September 2025 was a very difficult experience for the school. The water level reached more than one meter, causing damage to several facilities and school property. "The flood initially occurred in September last year, with water levels reaching almost over one meter, affecting many things. Fortunately, it was a holiday that day, so many items were affected by the flood, and only a few could be saved," said Patar. Patar added that after the revitalization, the most significant change for teachers is the feeling of security when it rains. Before the revitalization, heavy rains often caused anxiety due to the potential for the school to be flooded again.