Impact of the Sumatra Disaster on the Education Sector, Largest at the Primary School

According to a report by the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education (Kemendikdasmen), 4,549 educational institutions were affected by floods and landslides in Sumatra.

This disaster disrupted educational services for 657,193 students and hindered the work of 56,882 teachers.

"This situation demands swift and coordinated action so that students' right to education remains fulfilled, even in emergency situations," said Minister of Primary and Secondary Education Abdul Mu'ti during a meeting with Commission X of the House of Representatives (DPR) on Wednesday, January 21, 2026.

The Sumatra disaster most significantly impacted learning activities in elementary schools (SD), with 290,307 students and 24,266 teachers affected.

Here are the details of affected students and teachers in Aceh, West Sumatra, and North Sumatra by educational level:

Early Childhood Education (PAUD)

• Students: 47,776 people
• Teachers: 4,710 people

Elementary School (SD)

• Students: 290,307 people
• Teachers: 24,266 people

Junior High School (SMP)

• Students: 150,923 people
• Teachers: 13,521 people

Senior High School (SMA)

• Students: 111,564 people
• Teachers: 8,783 people

Special Needs School (SLB)

• Students: 3,466 people
• Teachers: 591 people

Vocational High School (SMK)

• Students: 48,471 people
• Teachers: 4,898 people

Community Learning Activity Centers (SKB)/Community Learning Centers (PKBM)

• Students: 3,953 people
• Teachers: 103 people

Course and Training Institutions (LKP)

• Students: 733 people
• Teachers: 10 people

As of early 2026, Kemendikdasmen has distributed 27,000 school kits for affected students, established 168 emergency learning tents, 147 emergency classrooms, provided emergency operational funds for 1,339 educational institutions, and allowances for 16,467 teachers.