Batam, Riau Islands, May 14, 2026 – The Riau Islands Province (Kepri) has recorded a significant leap in the quality of its education services through strong synergy with the central government. This was highlighted during a working visit by the Minister of Primary and Secondary Education (Mendikdasmen), Abdul Mu'ti, during the handover of educational unit revitalization assistance in 2026 at SMA Negeri 1 Batam on Tuesday (May 12).
The Deputy Governor of the Riau Islands, Nyangnyang Haris Pratamura, stated that education is the best investment for the nation. He expressed his pride in the Riau Islands' achievement in the Human Development Index (HDI), which ranked third nationally in 2025. This achievement was supported by a 0.18-point increase in the HDI score from the previous year to 80.53.
"A good learning environment has a significant impact on student motivation. Through this revitalization program, we want all educational institutions in the Riau Islands to be safe and comfortable places so that students can learn happily," said Nyangnyang Haris Pratamura. He also expressed his highest appreciation to the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education (Kemendikdasmen) in the regions for their continued support in improving the quality of educational services.
Warsita, Head of the Riau Islands Province Education Quality Assurance Center (BPMP), explained that the progress of school physical construction continues to show an encouraging trend. Entering 2026, regional enthusiasm for the revitalization program remains high, with hundreds of proposals received. Of these, 55 percent have been verified as eligible for revitalization assistance, covering preschools through junior high schools. Senior high schools and vocational high schools are still in the final stages.
"Revitalization isn't just about repairing buildings. It's the state's way of creating meaningful learning spaces. Children learn more peacefully, teachers teach more effectively, and schools become centers of appropriate educational services for all," Warsita said. She also added that regional readiness through the New Student Admissions System (SPMB) has reached 100 percent, with all eight regional governments in the Riau Islands having completed technical guidelines to ensure an inclusive and equitable process.
Specifically in Batam City, the Head of the Batam City Education Office, Hendri Arulan, expressed full readiness to welcome the 2026 SPMB for elementary and junior high school levels through intensive outreach to school proctors. Hendri also expressed his happiness at the Minister of Elementary and Secondary Education's direct visit to schools in need of assistance, such as SD Negeri 001 Sunga Beduk which still implements a three-shift learning system. "I am very grateful. The Minister saw firsthand the conditions on the ground and decided to change the pattern of assistance, from initially only rehabilitation to the construction of New Classrooms (RKB). This is very motivating for our students and teachers," said Hendri.
Besides infrastructure, digitalization of learning is also a crucial pillar. By 2025, digital device assistance had reached thousands of schools in the Riau Islands. Warsita explained that in 2026, the policy focus shifted to strengthening the utilization of these devices. "In principle, those who have not received them will remain a priority for equitable distribution, while those who have received them will receive enhanced training to truly improve the quality of learning," she added.
Minister of Primary and Secondary Education Abdul Mu'ti emphasized that the entire series of policies, from revitalization to digitalization, culminate in one core value: honoring students by providing them with a quality education. "The key word in education is honor. We must honor knowledge, honor teachers, and most importantly, honor our students," he concluded.*** (Writer: Rany, Photographer: Destian)
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