Medan, North Sumatra, September 14, 2026 — The flood that once submerged the UPT of SMP Negeri 16 Medan to over a meter is now a distant memory. After the revitalization was completed in August 2026, teachers and students returned to full-time learning without having to worry about classrooms being flooded during heavy rain.

The Minister of Primary and Secondary Education (Mendikdasmen), Abdul Mu'ti, directly inspected the condition of SMP Negeri 16 Medan, which was one of the educational units that received revitalization assistance after being affected by flooding in September 2025. "The revitalization of this flood-affected school was completed on time, in August. So all learning activities are now running 100 percent, there is no longer a need for online learning," said Abdul Mu'ti in Medan (14/9).

Minister of Elementary and Secondary Education Abdul Mu'ti stated that the recovery of disaster-affected educational institutions does not stop with building repairs. A safe and comfortable learning environment is crucial to ensuring teachers and students can return to educational activities without worry.

Meanwhile, the Head of UPT SMP Negeri 16 Medan, Taripar Rudi Sihaloho, explained that the revitalization work began in April 2026 and all building work was completed in August 2026. "The revitalization started in April 2026 and was completed in August 2026. Previously, the school area was low, so it was filled and raised so that in the future if there is heavy rain it will not be flooded again," he explained.

This was also directly felt by the Civics teacher at SMP Negeri 16 Medan, Patar Saputra Sihombing. He said the flood in September 2025 was quite a difficult experience for the school. The water level reached more than one meter, causing damage to several school facilities and equipment. "The flood first occurred in September last year, with the water level almost one meter high, so many people were affected. It happened to be a holiday, so many items were flooded, and only a few could be saved," said Patar.

After the revitalization, Patar said the most noticeable change for teachers was a sense of security when it rains. Before the revitalization, heavy rains often caused anxiety because the school could be flooded again. "The impact on teaching is truly noticeable. Before the revitalization, there was a sense of fear because every time it rained, our school would flood. With this revitalization, we feel very comfortable; there's no longer any fear when it rains. We can continue to carry out the learning process well," he said.

Students at UPT SMPN 16 Medan Can Learn Comfortably Again

The change in school conditions was also directly felt by an eighth-grade student, Alifah Dzakiroh. She said the flood damaged the classrooms and learning facilities, making the learning process less comfortable and focused. "Before the renovations, and when the floods hit, our classrooms, including the questionnaires and desks, were damaged and destroyed. So, when we studied, we were less focused and uncomfortable. After receiving the revitalization from the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education, we felt more comfortable studying and more focused," Alifah said.

In addition, ninth-grade student Febbi Mariana Wati Zai said the revitalization has also made the learning environment more comfortable and peaceful. Before the construction was completed, students had to take turns attending classes in the morning and afternoon due to limited usable space. "After the revitalization, we feel more comfortable studying and can focus better. Previously, the roofs leaked, but now that we've had the revitalization, our classrooms are more comfortable, cooler, and more enjoyable to listen to the teachers' explanations," she said.

Febbi also expressed her joy that all students can now return to learning together at one time. "Now the classrooms are more comfortable, cooler, and quieter. Previously, we had split classes, with some classes starting in the morning and others starting in the afternoon. After the revitalization, we all have our own rooms and can gather, start in the morning, and meet with our friends," she said.

Medan City Government Support

On the same occasion, Medan Mayor Rico Waas expressed his appreciation to the Ministry of Education and Culture for its support in the revitalization of SMP Negeri 16 Medan. "Thank you, Minister, for your support of SMP Negeri 16. Of course, we will also repair the school facilities and replenish the furniture. Last year, this school was one of the worst affected by the flood, so many of the children's desks were damaged," he said. Rico said the Medan City Government will continue to support the provision of furniture so that students can study more comfortably.

The revitalization of SMP Negeri 16 Medan is part of the government's efforts to ensure that educational units affected by the disaster can recover quickly and return to being safe, healthy, comfortable learning spaces that support the learning process.*** (Author: Ririn/Photographer: Raja/Editor: Uly)

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Source: Siaran Pers Kementerian Pendidikan Dasar dan Menengah Nomor: 805/sipers/A6/IX/2026

Writer: Ririn Ramandani

Editor: Denty Anugrahmawaty

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